Organizing in the Town at Oakland Tech Week

EFF was delighted to collaborate with organizers, advocates, and activists in the East Bay for the second annual Oakland Tech Week. They are appreciative of their friends at MediaJustice and Upturn for inviting them to co-present the all-day event, "Building Beyond Big Tech: Organizing Oakland's Future" on September 30. The event, hosted by the Kapor Center in downtown Oakland, provided an excellent opportunity to meet people throughout The Town and the Bay Area who are dedicated to creating a better future for everyone.

EFF executive director Nicole Ozer emphasized in her opening remarks that "we're at this truly consequential moment," highlighting the importance of ensuring technology empowers rather than oppresses. During the day, EFF also took part in a panel discussing California's current situation, moderated by MediaJustice executive director Steven Renderos.

Hayley Tsukayama, the Director of State Affairs, joined reporter Khari Johnson of CalMatters and Crystal Zemero of People Over Billionaires for a conversation about the state's landscape. The event featured smaller discussions centered on developing better technology and refining messaging, facilitated by EFF colleagues from MediaJustice.

Witnessing the individuals—our neighbors—who are resisting surveillance in their communities was truly inspiring. They challenge the claims made by large technology companies regarding their neighborhood impacts, speak out at council meetings and rallies, and advocate for changes that would foster a safer relationship with technology in their workplaces and neighborhoods.

It was crucial to unite in solidarity, exchange ideas, spend time together, identify opportunities to support one another, and brainstorm collectively. Working together, we can establish a future that benefits everyday people. A better world is achievable, and Oakland Tech Week served as a powerful reminder that individuals around us are joining forces to address significant challenges.

As Nicole Ozer pointed out, "There are formidable forces," but together, we can challenge their narrative of inevitability and ensure a positive outlook for artificial intelligence and other technologies. Whether you're in Oakland or Auckland, this is a renewed invitation to join the fight. Become an EFF member today.