In The Loop September 2024
15 minutes read | First published: September 23, 2024
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OUR LATEST NEWS 🚀
🤖 New Data Detox Kit guides on Artificial Intelligence and its impacts
Introducing the new Data Detox Kit guides on AI! Curious about how AI shapes our world? These guides explain how AI works and its real-world impact on people and the planet. From spotting online scams to understanding bias, online harassment, and AI’s role in elections, these practical, easy-to-follow resources will empower you to take control of AI’s influence. Developed by Tactical Tech in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Brazil, these guides are available in English and Portuguese. Ready to dive in? Explore the guides now.
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Banner New Data Detox Kit guides on Artificial Intelligence
🖼️ Our educational intervention for teens on tech, AI, and their impacts is available in 8 languages
"Everywhere, All the Time," Tactical Tech's digital literacy intervention for teens, is now available in Brazilian Portuguese, Croatian, English, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Spanish, and Ukrainian! This resource that helps educators spark critical conversations about technology and AI with youth includes an exhibition, activity cards, and a guidebook. Interested in accessing these materials? Contact us at youth@tacticaltech.org. Learn more.
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Everywhere, All the Time, Tactical Tech's digital literacy intervention for teens, is now available in more languages
📄 New article on the influencing machines behind the information flows during crises
We live in a time of polycrisis—where climate change, economic instability, polarization, and escalating conflicts intersect, creating a web of overlapping fears. This new piece by Tactical Tech's Executive Director Marek Tuszynski, explores how amid this chaos, the digital realm, while promising to inform and connect us, often exacerbates confusion and manipulation, much like in ancient times when control over knowledge was used to maintain power. Today, these influencing tactics have evolved, making it easier to exploit our uncertainties. To navigate this, we must rethink how we engage with information, trust sources, and collaborate across divides. Read the full piece here
🍁 How is voters' private data used to influence politics in Canada?
In this piece, Tactical Tech's Cassie Cladis highlights OpenMedia’s recent research documenting which private firms, using voter data, have supported political parties in Canada. OpenMedia used primary and secondary sources to identify 91 companies that are working with political candidates across Canada, supporting their ongoing reporting on digital regulatory issues in Canadian politics. Read the summary and the full report here.
🙋♂️ A pedagogical methodology that encourages teens to participate in everyday democracy
In 2024, Tactical Tech hosted Critical ChangeLab sessions with 10 partners across Europe. This pedagogical methodology is designed to empower teens to envision a democracy aligned with their values and see themselves as active participants in shaping their communities and the planet. Partners of the initiative reported an increased understanding of democracy, broadened perspectives and a rise in teens' confidence & agency. Learn more about this experience.
OPEN CALLS 📢
[Call for participants 🗣️] "Digital Influence and Climate Friction: Expert gathering". Deadline: September 25, 2024
Tactical Tech invites all journalists, investigators, visual artists, communication specialists, researchers and technologists to apply to join this 3-day event in Berlin, where participants will connect, learn, share knowledge, and develop creative responses that address the two pressing crises: digital information disorder and resistance to climate solutions. Financial support is available! With the support of Svenska Postkodlotteriets Stiftelse. Don’t miss out—apply now! See the application process and requirements here
[Call for a Volunteer 🗣️] Join Tactical Tech's communications team through the European Solidarity Corps Programme. Deadline: September 30, 2024
Tactical Tech is offering a paid, year-long volunteer position for someone eager to learn how to develop and implement communication strategies aimed at amplifying digital literacy and critical thinking initiatives. Based in our Berlin office, you’ll work closely with our Communications and Partnerships Manager, gaining hands-on experience in everything from strategic planning to building global networks that foster digital and media literacy. You'll rotate through different projects, exploring our creative approaches and methodologies. Ready to join our team? Apply here
Open call for participants Digital Influence and Climate Friction Expert gathering.jpg)
Banner Open Call European Solidarity Corps Programme
[Call for partnerships 🤝] Organisations in Berlin Working with Youth. Deadline: September 27, 2024
What the Future Wants (WTFW) – Comes to Berlin is a one-year project bringing Tactical Tech’s digital literacy resources for teens to Berlin-based organisations, including schools, libraries, cultural centers, and youth-led groups. We are seeking partnerships with formal and informal youth-focused organisations, especially those working with young people from marginalised identities or backgrounds interested in empowering youth with critical digital literacy skills. This project is co-funded by Deutsche Postcode Lotterie. Apply to become our partner here
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Banner open call for partnerships in Berlin in German
Banner open call for partnerships in Berlin in English
[Call for applications 💡] Call for civic innovation projects. Deadline: September 30, 2024
Do you have a project idea in civic education that lacks funding? Apply to the Civic Innovation Fund for a chance to receive €10,000–€12,000 in funding. Open to young NGOs with innovative projects focused on strengthening democratic competencies that promote participation, cohesion, and resilience. Project ideas can range from workshops, cultural interventions, eyewitness talks, exhibitions, scientific studies, and scenario methods to apps or augmented reality storyboards. Apply here
EVENTS THAT EMPOWER YOU 💡
[In-person event 🗣️] The Privacy Paradox: seen, heard, acknowledged and targeted. September 24, 2024. 18:30 - 20:30. Berlin, Germany.
Tactical Tech's Executive Director Marek Tuszynski will moderate this critical panel organised by FORUM on the erosion of privacy and the lack of regulatory frameworks in a tech-driven world. How much of our data are we sacrificing? Can we protect our rights as privacy slips away? What regulations do we need? Register here to join the debate with Alex Carroll, Bella Davis-Riemer and Ma Yongfeng. Find more information and get your tickets for free here
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[Forum 🌐] Registration for iMEdD International Journalism Forum 2024 is open! September 26-28, 2024. Athens, Greece.
Don’t miss this event in Athens, where journalism meets innovation! Explore crucial topics like press freedom in Europe, AI’s role in investigative journalism, algorithmic accountability, and groundbreaking sustainability strategies for media independence. Highlights include The UNCOVERED Conference 2024 and the European Press Prize Community Event. Tactical Tech's Laura Ranca, Program Expert in Investigations and training, will participate in panels discussing best practices for bridging the gap between journalists and the public by thoughtfully repackaging content and reaching the right audiences. Register.
[Conference 🌐] über übermorgen – jetzt! kulturBdigital-Konferenz 2024. October 10, 2024. Berlin, Germany.
Join this annual conference on the digital development of the cultural sector that will feature lectures, workshops, and networking, bringing together Berlin's cultural community to discuss key digital trends shaping cultural institutions. Stephanie Hankey, co-founder of Tactical Tech, will share insights into Tactical Tech's projects on digital literacy and societal resilience, showcase our global cultural interventions and offer a preview of upcoming initiatives. More information and registrations here
[In-person event 🗣️] Open Lab Abend: Magnif(ai)ing Bias in AI tools. October 17, 2024. 17:00 – 20:00. Futurium. Berlin, Germany.
AI is a buzzword that's everywhere at the moment. But understanding what AI is, what it can do and what its limitations are doesn't need to feel like rocket science. Join Tactical Tech's Louise Hisayasu and Dominika Knoblochová for a hands-on Data Detox Workshop exploring AI and bias. We’ll break down terms like "stereotype" and "implicit bias," examine AI models, and discuss how to challenge the systems they exist in. Expect reflection, group work, and practical insights to help you feel more empowered. Don't miss this chance to dive deeper into AI—get your free ticket here
[In-person event 🗣️] Investigation is a Mindset. November 21, 2024. 18:30 – 21:00. Publix. Berlin, Germany.
What makes a great investigation? It starts with great investigators! Join Tactical Tech's Wael Eskandar and Jasmine Erkan for an engaging session where we'll explore the key elements of effective investigations, the importance of solid evidence, and essential safety practices to protect your identity and data. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious, this is your chance to develop an investigative mindset! Don’t miss out—get your free tickets here
OUR CREATIVE EXHIBITIONS AROUND THE WORLD 🖼️
➡️ When They See Us. September 17 - 28, 2024. Bologna, Italy.
This is a thought-provoking exhibition exploring the impact of tracking and biometric surveillance on our lives. The exhibition delves into digital rights through installations by Belgian artist Dries Depoorter and data visualisations by Tactical Tech. Curated by Sineglossa and supported by The Good Lobby, Hermes Center for Digital Rights, and info.nodes, the exhibition also contributes to the campaign against biometric recognition, Reclaim Your Face. Find out more
Banner When they see us event. Image by Sineglossa
➡️ The Glass Room: Misinformation Edition at the American Corner at the University of Aveiro. September 2 - 29, 2024. Aveiro, Portugal.
This exhibit invites both young people and adults to explore how social media and the Internet have transformed our interactions with information. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into the impact of misinformation—entry is free! More information
➡️ The Glass Room and the Data Detox Kit at the Starling Centre's Launch. October 2 - 20, 2024. Ontario, Canada.
To celebrate the launch of the Starling Centre, selected artworks and visualisations from The Glass Room and Data Detox Bar will be exhibited at the Museum London in Ontario. Tactical Tech's Louise Hisayasu will give a keynote about Tactical Tech methodologies and projects and facilitate a workshop on AI and Bias. Get your tickets here
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Tactical Tech's Louise Hisayasu will give a keynote about Tactical Tech methodologies and projects and facilitate a workshop on AI and Bias
Banner Future Media FEST
➡️ The Glass Room at 2024 Future Media FEST - Singularity. October 4 - December 15, 2024. Taipei, Taiwan.
The 2024 Future Media FEST ventures deep into the limitless potential of technological art, converging a multitude of perspectives on the evolution and implications of technology within an inclusive artistic landscape. Selected artworks from The Glass Room will be exhibited. Tactical Tech's Executive Director Marek Tuszynski will deliver the workshop "The Trouble with Tech" and participate in artist talk sessions. More information
➡️ The Glass Room: Misinformation Edition at Code Week Hamburg. October 12 - 27, 2024.Hamburg, Germany.
Creating music with artificial intelligence, building blinking origami frogs together, realising your own ideas in hackathons... At Code Week Hamburg, children and young people can get creative with hardware and software and discover how much they can achieve with digital skills. The Glass Room Misinformation edition will be exhibited during the event. Find out more
➡️ The Glass Room at Patchlab 2024 - ERROЯ? Digital Art Festival. October 17 - 20, 2024. Krakow, Poland.
The Patchlab Digital Art Festival held annually in Krakow since 2012 and organised by the Photon Foundation, showcases the evolving impact of technology on society and the environment through art, featuring exhibitions, performances, workshops, and discussions focused on digital culture, including VR, AI, and digital identity, with the Glass Room Misinformation edition also being presented. More information
Banner Patchlab 2024 - ERROЯ? Digital Art Festival
➡️ DigiDic Exhibition "Call to Digital Self-Defense". Until November 3, 2024. Graz, Austria.
The world is rapidly heading towards monopolisation by global digital players, leading to total control, algorithm-driven need creation, and loss of privacy. This exhibition, featuring Tactical Tech's The Glass Room, uses art, interactive installations, museum objects, workshops, performances, artist talks, and lectures to explore these issues and offer a manual on digital self-defense. Find out more
TACTICAL TECH: TRAINING AND ADVANCING THE SKILLS OF COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE 💡
Tactical Tech's team led conversations, hosted workshops and sessions, and participated in various events to advance knowledge and build the capacities of individuals and communities to address technology-related challenges. Here’s a recap of last month’s events:
💡 A creative workshop at the "Berlin Summer School of AI & Society" in Berlin
From September 9 to 13, 2024, Tactical Tech's co-founders Marek Tuszynski and Stephanie Hankey led creative workshops at the "Berlin Summer School of AI & Society" focused on AI and the Urban: Making cities smart(er)?, where doctoral students explored sustainable solutions for smart cities and examined AI's dual role as an opportunity and threat to urban development, organized by BIFOLD Graduate School, SCIoI, and the Weizenbaum Institute. More information.
Tactical Tech's co-founders Marek Tuszynski and Stephanie Hankey leading the creative workshop at the Berlin Summer School of AI & Society. Image taken from BIFOLD - Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data social media
Participants presenting their projects during the Tactical Tech'creative workshop at the Berlin Summer School of AI & Society. Image taken from BIFOLD - Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data social media.
💡 Talks and an exhibition guided tour at the Publix Open Week in Berlin
During the week of September 9 to 15, Tactical Tech, a resident organization at Publix, led sessions during the Open Week of the new House of Journalism and Public Debate in Berlin. We hosted "From Cambridge Analytica to the Influencer Industry: A Research Journey," sharing insights into our work mapping private companies influencing voter opinions and election outcomes. Additionally, we held the teaser session "Investigation as a Mindset" to highlight our initiatives for building investigators' capacity and hosted a guided tour of the "Everywhere All the Time" exhibition on technology, AI, and their societal impacts. Find out more about Publix
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Picture Publix Open House. People interacting with the Everywhere, All The Time exhibition
💡 Our contribution to the "Africa-Europe Dialogue on AI, Disinformation, and Cybersecurity in Elections" in Ghana
In early September, Tactical Tech's Influence Industry Project participated in the "Africa-Europe Dialogue on AI, Disinformation, and Cybersecurity in Elections," hosted by ETTG and CDD in Accra, Ghana. The roundtable gathered professionals from the EU, African Union, UN members, public servants, election monitors, journalists, fact-checkers, and civil society across Europe and Africa. The two-day event focused on editing and commenting on policy briefs developed by the organizers, with the Influence Industry Project highlighting the role of private firms in election campaigns. Find out more
💡 A session on data-driven Election Campaigns at DataFest in Georgia
Tactical Tech's Amber Macintyre from the Influence Industry Project hosted a session on the trends of how data and technology are used in election campaigns - whether informative or full of disinformation - from the last year around the world, demonstrating what to look out for in the upcoming Georgian elections. Find out more
WHAT WE ARE READING 🔍
- [📰 ARTICLE] The Accelerationist Playbook - How illusory races towards high scores lead us to corporate domination. Go to ASOMOCO.
- [📰 ARTICLE] A brief history of AI: how we got here and where we are going. Go to The Conversation.
- [📰 ARTICLE] How the news media cover women in politics: 5 recent studies to know. Go to The Journalist's Resource.
- [📰 ARTICLE] The United Nations Wants to Treat AI With the Same Urgency as Climate Change. Go to WIRED.
- [📰 ARTICLE] AI is working its way into smartphones, but some tools could be subverted for misinformation. Go to The Conversation.
- [📰 ARTICLE] LinkedIn Is Training AI on User Data Before Updating Its Terms of Service. Go to The WIRED.
- [📄 REPORT] The Dawn of the AI Era: Teens, Parents, and the Adoption of Generative AI at Home and School. Go to Common sense.
- [📚 BOOK] AI Snake Oil. What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t and How to Tell the Difference. Go to We make money not art.
- [📰 ARTICLE]] Women in Revolt! Exhibition showcases the feminist activist artists who used art to change lives. Go to The Conversation.
- [📰 ARTICLE] Racism, misogyny, lies: how did X become so full of hatred? And is it ethical to keep using it? Go to The Guardian.
- [🎙️ PODCAST] Attention Wars: How Lies Spread Online Have Real-World Consequences | Renée DiResta. Go to WONDERY.
- [📰 ARTICLE] The court decision that could turn generative AI upside down. Go to El Pais.
- [🎙️ PODCAST]] Is the Arrest of Telegram Founder Pavel Durov an Attack on Encryption? Go to 404 Media.
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