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Backslash
Backslash is a space to research the relationship between protests and technology, cultivating dialog about freedom of expression, riots and disruptive tech. The goal of Backslash is to retain the right to connect in protest sites through disruptive innovation and the creative appropriation of existing technologies. The devices range from a smart bandana for embedding hidden messages to personal blackbox devices that can backup your photos in case your phone is broken or confiscated.
A lot has been said about the importance of Twitter and Facebook during the Egyptian uprising and how Firechat became the number one network during the Umbrella movement. There was one fact that stood out: During the Arab Spring movement, the highest levels of participation were seen during periods of internet blackouts. That happened because the modern protester is an early adopter, young, a digital native and believes that that connectivity is a basic human right.
The number of technologies used by authorities during protests are growing year after year. Mass surveillance has become ubiquitous and personal devices are being used as weapons against their owners. The hyper-militarization of law enforcement is widespread and the use of long range acoustic devices, active denial systems and stingrays have become commonplace as governments attempt to suppress dissent and monitor their citizens.
How can the global community retain the right to free speech and public assembly in a safe and effective manner? How can we level the technological playing field for activists and the general population? In protests of the future, how will the underground fight back? As designers, we find this to be a very compelling challenge. We are interested in the technologies that could help to start this conversation.
A lot has been said about the importance of Twitter and Facebook during the Egyptian uprising and how Firechat became the number one network during the Umbrella movement. There was one fact that stood out: During the Arab Spring movement, the highest levels of participation were seen during periods of internet blackouts. That happened because the modern protester is an early adopter, young, a digital native and believes that that connectivity is a basic human right.
The number of technologies used by authorities during protests are growing year after year. Mass surveillance has become ubiquitous and personal devices are being used as weapons against their owners. The hyper-militarization of law enforcement is widespread and the use of long range acoustic devices, active denial systems and stingrays have become commonplace as governments attempt to suppress dissent and monitor their citizens.
How can the global community retain the right to free speech and public assembly in a safe and effective manner? How can we level the technological playing field for activists and the general population? In protests of the future, how will the underground fight back? As designers, we find this to be a very compelling challenge. We are interested in the technologies that could help to start this conversation.
