Live SXSW Special: Digital Battlegrounds: Bytes, Bravery, and the Pursuit of Freedom

Redefining Our Digital Lives: A Deep Dive into Technology’s Unseen Impact on Democracy and Human Rights

In today’s digital age, our lives are intertwined with technology more than ever. From the moment we wake up to the minute we sleep, smartphones and smart devices have become our constant companions. But at what cost? Are we merely consumers in a digital marketplace, or is there a darker side to this tech-driven world?

In this special live episode of Tech 4Evil, recorded at the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Sydney, hosts Manal Al-Sharif and Reinhardt Sosin take us on an eye-opening journey through the intricate web of technology that surrounds us. They discuss the paradox of technology and the impact on our fundamental human rights and privacy.

Episode Highlights:

• Smartphone Addiction: How our attachment to smartphones has reached unprecedented levels, reshaping even our most private moments.
• Tech Giants’ Duality: The curious case of tech moguls restricting their children’s tech use while promoting it to the world.
• Facial Recognition – A Privacy Nightmare: Unveiling the intrusive nature of facial recognition technologies in public and private spaces.
• Amazon Ring: Security or Surveillance? Examining Amazon Ring’s surveillance capabilities and its collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
• The Fight for Digital Rights: The pressing need for a Universal Declaration of Digital Rights in the era of data sovereignty.
• AI in Employment: The hidden biases in AI-driven job application processes and their discriminatory impact.
• Activism through Technology: Celebrating the brave use of technology by activists worldwide, from unmasking oppressors to smuggling information into oppressive regimes.
• Can Tech Be a Force for Good? Concluding thoughts on using technology ethically and understanding our digital rights.

Join the Conversation: Manal and Reinhardt not only present these thought-provoking topics but also invite the live audience to participate, sparking discussions around online security, privacy, and the broader societal impact of technology.

The Call to Action: As we navigate this tech-saturated world, it’s crucial to recognize our role and the power we hold. This episode of Tech 4Evil is more than just a conversation; it’s a call to action for listeners of all ages to join the movement in reclaiming our digital agency and ensuring technology remains a force for good.

Don’t miss this crucial episode that challenges us to rethink our relationship with technology, for our present and our collective digital future.

Recorded on : 20 Oct 2023 14:00 – 15:00 | ICC Sydney, Convention Centre, Sydney, 2000

We want to hear from you. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter: @tech4evil. And if you've spotted Big Tech going too far, use the hashtag #EvilSpotter and mention @Tech4Evil and share your story.


Music and media production by Reinhardt Sosin. 

Join our newsletter