In our special coverage of the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum Manal and I got to meet some truly inspirational African delegates who are shaping the way technology serves human rights on the African continent.

From the emerging power house that is Machankura we sat down with Noelyne Sumba and Kgothatso Ngako – both brilliant innovators doing some powerlifting with bitcoin to serve the human rights of their fellow citizens and African neighbors. They translate bitcoin learning materials into native African languages, and found a way to own and store bitcoin, even if you don’t have an internet connection, or a smartphone, or even a crypto account – talk about innovation!!!! These young tech-guns are leading the way….

And, you would be hard pressed to find a more dedicated warrior in the fight for human rights than Meron Estefanos. Meron’s nickname is “The Huntress of Human Traffickers”, she brought fifteen human traffickers to justice, helped to save thousands of Eritreans from drowning in the Mediterranean and helped negotiate the release of hostages who were kidnapped and held at ransom. Forget Arnie and Stallone… Meron is the ULTIMATE badass. Manal sat down to speak with Meron about AI, human trafficking and so much more.

Tune in for this absolutely unmissable episode from Season 3 of Tech4Evil.

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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

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In a world where technology is synonymous with convenience, accessibility, and connectivity, it’s easy to take our digital liberties for granted. However, for those trapped in closed societies like North Korea, access to information is a rare and precious commodity. In this episode of ‘Tech for Evil,’ we delve into the intersection of technology and human rights, shedding light on the remarkable initiative known as ‘Flash Drives for Freedom‘ and its mission to empower North Korean citizens with information and foster dissent in North Korea.

“Flash Drives for Freedom” is a beacon of hope in this information-starved landscape. The program collects donated USB drives and SD cards, filling them with valuable information like Korean Wikipedia, documentaries, and real-world knowledge. These small devices are then smuggled into North Korea, giving North Koreans a glimpse of the truth beyond their borders.

Join us as we delve into the importance of this initiative and the transformative power of information. Discover how these efforts are gradually opening windows to the outside world for North Koreans and challenging the regime’s control. Learn how you can support “Flash Drives for Freedom” by Human Rights Foundation and be part of a movement that believes in the potential of information to inspire change and promote freedom.

Don’t miss this eye-opening episode, where we uncover the profound impact of technology used for a noble cause—to unlock minds and empower those living in one of the world’s most closed societies.

#EthiTech #HumanRights #Digital Rights #Surveillance #Democracy #Freedom #Dictators #DigitalActivism #DigitalTyranny #TyrannyofTech #NorthKorea #FlashDrivesForFreedom #HRF #HumanRightsFoundation

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