In this day and age, freely accessible digital content has become indispensable and a matter of course — just take a look at how you are reading these very words. Yet behind the vast mirror of the internet and our practical apps, there exists a hidden infrastructure and data collection; the use of which has been in constant development and continues to be the subject of formative debates. For its twelfth year, the conference Re:publica wants to convey this message with its tagline “Pop”, until 5.5.2018. Not only campaigners active in this scene but also well-known faces from the media and politics will be represented again this year. The first day of the conference began with an impressive participant; the activist Chelsea Manning emphasized the necessity of an informed use of digital data and the responsibility of developers. She also appealed to our openness, even outside our own (data-)bubble. Speaking of being active: This year you don’t need a ticket to participate yourself. On Saturday, the first public Netzfest will take place in Park am Gleisdreieck. Besides offering concerts and street food, the festival will also have workshops and lectures that will showcase hands-on digitality and technology. The neighboring Museum of Technology, a partner of the festival, will also open its doors from 10-18h. And in the spirit of free access to content and knowledge, you will be able to watch the panels and lectures of Re:publica on their YouTube channel. (Text & Photos: Jennifer Prietzel)
Re:publica 2018, Netzfest in Park am Gleisdreieck, 5.5.2018 from 10-21h; map
