Retake the Net holds conference in Wellington

Retake the Net holds conference in Wellington

Attendee-organised event aims to bring together people interested in topics such as internet freedom, digital identity, open culture, privacy, and anti-censorship

Wellington, 17 October 2011 - Retake the Net (http://retakethe.net), an initiative to connect people with concrete projects to keep the net free and open, is holding its inaugural barcamp at Wellington Town Hall on October 29, 2011.

This all-day, free event is open to anyone who cares about the possibilities that technology offers us. The attendees are concerned about corporations and governments diminishing the freedom and openness that the net was founded on, and they want to do something about it. Many of those who already registered work for companies or organisations who are active in the same areas as Retake the Net (community, communication, technology, culture) and contribute directly to the future of the net as part of their work or personal engagement. However, barcamp attendees don't have to be experts in any of these topics - anyone interested is encouraged to come along, participate, and learn from each other.

The barcamp will be an informal, self-organising, non-commercial event. Sessions and discussions are selected and run by the participants, and the barcamp provides an opportunity to meet, share, and work on concrete projects.

Registration

People interested in attending the barcamp should register at http://wiki.retakethe.net.

Sponsors

The Retake the Net barcamp is possible thanks to our sponsors: Internet NZ, Wellington City Council, Catalyst IT, Citylink, and Havana Bar.

About Retake the Net

Retake the Net was founded by Sibylle Schwarz and Brian Calhoun in Wellington in May 2011.

We are passionate about the possibilities that technology provides us, and we believe that it's the responsibility of everyone to use its power for good. Retake the Net is a vehicle for concrete projects that help keep the net free and open. Our projects encourage people to use, create, and share free and open tools, content, and infrastructures.

The internet has driven huge changes into our society over the last several decades. New services and tools keep arriving every year. For many of us, it’s impossible to imagine life without an open internet.

With Retake the Net we are putting our energy into concrete projects that show what we can do when we use the power of the net and the power of people and communities.

More about Retake the Net and its projects can be found on the web at http://retakethe.net. Follow Retake the Net on Twitter at @retakethenet.

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