EFF urges community-led tech policy to resist corporate dominance at Oakland Tech Week
The Electronic Frontier Foundation joined local advocates in Oakland to discuss community-led strategies for shaping technology policy and resisting corporate dominance.
Key points
- EFF co-presented an all-day event titled "Building Beyond Big Tech" at the second annual Oakland Tech Week on Sept. 30.
- Executive Director Nicole Ozer emphasized the need to ensure technology empowers rather than oppresses communities across the country.
- Participants engaged in panels and workshops focused on state-level policy, messaging, and building solidarity against surveillance.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation participated in the second annual Oakland Tech Week last week, co-hosting an all-day event focused on community organizing and technology policy. The gathering took place on Sept. 30 at the Kapor Center in downtown Oakland, bringing together advocates, activists, and organizers from the East Bay and the broader Bay Area.
According to the EFF, the event was titled “Building Beyond Big Tech: Organizing Oakland’s Future” and was co-presented with MediaJustice and Upturn. The organization expressed gratitude to its partners for the invitation to facilitate the day’s activities. The program offered attendees a chance to connect with individuals working to create a more equitable technological future for their neighborhoods and workplaces.
Context and Background
Nicole Ozer, executive director of the EFF, opened the day’s proceedings with a speech highlighting the critical nature of the current moment. She stated that ensuring technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than oppression is fundamental to the future of livelihoods and lives. Ozer noted that while formidable forces exist, communities can challenge the narrative of inevitability through collective action and indignation.
The day included a panel discussion on the state of technology policy in California, moderated by Steven Renderos, executive director of MediaJustice. Hayley Tsukayama, the EFF’s Director of State Affairs, joined the panel alongside Khari Johnson of CalMatters and Crystal Zemero of People Over Billionaires. The group discussed the landscape at the state level, addressing how local efforts intersect with broader regulatory environments.
Who Is Affected
The event drew participants who are actively fighting back against surveillance in their communities. According to the EFF, these individuals are casting doubt on claims made by large technology companies regarding their impact on neighborhoods. Attendees shared experiences of speaking up at council meetings and rallies, seeking changes that would foster safer relationships between technology and their workplaces.
Smaller conversations facilitated by MediaJustice colleagues focused on building better technology and fine-tuning messaging strategies. The EFF described the gathering as an opportunity for solidarity, allowing participants to compare notes, find support opportunities, and plan future actions together. The organization viewed the event as a reminder that people across the region are collaborating to tackle significant challenges.
Our take on the response
The EFF framed the event as a renewed invitation for people in Oakland and beyond to join the effort. The report suggests that the future of artificial intelligence and other technologies is not yet written, implying that current organizing efforts can influence outcomes. The organization emphasized that working together is essential to getting technology right for everyday people.
What to do and how to stay safe: Electronic Frontier Foundation
- Review local council meeting agendas for discussions on technology deployment and surveillance in your neighborhood.
- Connect with local advocacy groups like MediaJustice or Upturn to learn about ongoing community technology projects.
- Monitor state-level policy developments in California that may affect technology regulations and privacy standards.
- Participate in public forums or rallies to voice concerns about how large technology companies operate in your community.
Step-by-step guide: Data Brokers Examples: How They Collect and Sell Your Personal Info
General security guidance from the DataSafe Radar newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
When did the EFF co-host the Oakland Tech Week event?
The event took place on Sept. 30 during the second annual Oakland Tech Week last week.
Who co-presented the event with the EFF?
The EFF co-presented the event with MediaJustice and Upturn.
What was the main topic of the panel discussion?
The panel discussed the state of technology policy in California, featuring speakers from the EFF, CalMatters, and People Over Billionaires.
