Tech4Evil

Hello Africa: Bitcoin for Freedom and How to Use Tech to Fight Human Traffickers and Save Hostages – Part 1

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.  We want to hear from you. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at contact@tech4evil.com. 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

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 https://schedule.sxswsydney.com/sessions/ec129f7b-495a-564b-a543-35de90947e23 We want to hear from you. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at contact@tech4evil.com. 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

Flash Drives for Freedom: Unlocking North Korea’s Closed Society with Seongmin Lee

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 We want to hear from you. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at contact@tech4evil.com. 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

Don’t Click Here – Tech4Evil Season 3 Teaser

Digital Battlegrounds: Bytes, Bravery, and the Pursuit of Freedom The digital era – a double-edged sword, wielded by both heroes and tyrants. Welcome to an electrifying season, where the stakes are high, and the warriors are relentless. “Dictatorship in the Digital Space” is an unsettling reality. As dictators exploit cutting-edge tech to muzzle dissent, monitor every move, and craft illusions of popularity, a valiant counterforce rises. Join Manal and Reinhardt from the Tech4Evil podcast on season 3 titled “Don’t Click Here”. We dive into the riveting stories of intrepid activists, journalists, and freedom fighters from around the globe. Witness how, with wit and grit, they evade censorship, debunk disinformation, and guard civil liberties. From ingenious tactics that keep communication lines open during internet blackouts, to subverting digital surveillance with counter-tech, this episode illuminates the indomitable human spirit. But it’s more than stories; it’s an awakening. Through insights into the global struggle between liberty and oppression, democracy and dictatorship, you’ll grasp the vital role technology plays in shaping our shared future. The digital reckoning is upon us. Will you join the ranks of the guardians of freedom? Empower yourself and your community by learning how to be a force for good in the digital age. #HumanRights #Digital Rights #Surveillance #Democracy #Freedom #Dictators #DigitalActivism #DigitalTyranny #TyrannyofTech.

Ridiculously Smart, Smart Devices?

For many of us on this planet, our modern, digital lives are fast, cheap, convenient and smart as hell! Rediculously smart! Benign household devices like fridges and hoovers may have been born innocent and practical but have matured into obnoxiously in-your-face adolescent terrors. Devices that were once dumb are now terrifyingly capable and ”here to help” us. But have they gotten too smart? From voice assistants that can order groceries to smart thermostats that know when we’re home, our lives are becoming increasingly intertwined with technology. But what about the risks that come with this level of integration? Are these devices collecting our data without our knowledge or informed consent? In this episode of Tech for Evil, we examine the dark side of smart devices and the potential threats they pose to our privacy and security. We’ll explore how these devices gather data about our habits, preferences, and even our conversations, all in the name of convenience. We’ll also discuss the ways in which this data can be used to target us with advertising, manipulate our behavior, or even be sold to third parties without our consent. Join us as we dive into the world of smart devices and explore the tradeoffs we make for the convenience they offer. Are we sacrificing too much of our privacy and security for the sake of a more connected life? And what can we do to protect ourselves in an increasingly digital world? Don’t miss this important episode and join the growing movement that is fighting to keep tech good for all of us. We want to hear from you. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at contact@tech4evil.com. 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