Program

With speakers such as Paris Marx, on geopolitical shifts and the opportunities this presents to shape technology in a radically different way, Roos Groothuizen on the disturbing presence of ‘smart’ devices, and Maria Farrell's vision of ‘Rewilding the Internet’, the PublicSpaces Conference: Shaping Our Digital Future offers inspiration for how we can shape the future of the internet. The programme is made up of five tracks with more than 50 speakers and over 20 keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and other interactive sessions. The full programme will soon be published, allowing you to plan your day and map out a personal route along the six different rooms. As a preview, the five tracks are explained below.

Digital Autonomy

In his opening keynote, tech critic Paris Marx discusses how the global disruption of the geopolitical balance creates opportunities to choose new paths based on public values and cooperation. Marx argues for stricter regulation, as well as an alternative digital infrastructure. Not only platforms and services deserve our attention here, but also physical infrastructures, such as data centres. In a time of increasing pressure on energy and resources, is more computational capacity really necessary? Other topics covered in this track are what developments there are in Europe to become digitally sovereign, how to stimulate a fair tech market, and how to hack your own smart doorbell and register the corresponding patent.

The Future of Social Media

Social media should be a space for meaningful exchange, free from addictive algorithms, misinformation and political interference. This track is dedicated to redefining social media platforms as tools for democratic dialogue and connection. We present a vision and a roadmap for ‘public social media’: platforms designed through the public interest, managed by public or civil society organisations. We explore the possibilities of how to realise a landscape of public social media platforms, and engage in workshop-style work on designing social media from public values. We will also look at the current alternative social media platforms: now that mainstream platforms have become breeding grounds for disinformation, hate speech and corporate interests, the Fediverse offers a welcome alternative. How exactly does it work, what are the strategies to engage the public, as well as public organisations?

The AI We Need

With artificial intelligence rapidly impacting our media, culture and daily existence, we are faced with the question: How can we ethically develop AI that serves the societal interest? The sessions within this topic explore the social impact of AI in various sectors, from public media to arts and labour. Topics such as designing ethical AI tools, creating responsible AI platforms, and the future of the labour market will be discussed.

Media and Citizenship

A shared European media space, independent from governments and commercial influences and where Europeans can share their ideas, discuss opinions and find reliable information, is important to hold the ruling power accountable. Within this track, we look at how to strengthen journalism, based on public values, and how independent media organisations can survive without using Big Tech. How can citizens take back control from technology tycoons and autocratic rulers, and restore direction and direction to public debate?

Sustainable World

Digital technology is putting increasing pressure on an already fragile environment. In this track, we take inspiration from natural ecosystems - not to deplete them further, but to learn from them. We explore regenerative technologies, such as permacomputing, that put sustainability at their core. With inspiring stories, such as Maria Farrell's, and in workshops where you get to engage with permaculture principles yourself, we invite you to look at the digital world from a new perspective.