Premise
Scientists in the Manhattan Project discovered that the universe permitted the construction of a nuclear bomb. This was not an obvious conclusion. Perhaps nuclear weapons were not within the laws of physics. However, the universe believes in atomic bombs and nuclear reactors. They are a phenomenon the universe blesses, like salt, sea or starts.
Similarly, the universe [...] has that property that makes it possible for an individual or a group of individuals to reliably, automatically, even without knowing, encipher something, so that all the resources and all the political will of the strongest superpower on earth may not decipher it. [...]
In this way, people can oppose their will to that of a fully mobilized superpower and win. Encryption is an embodiment of the laws of physics, and it does not listen to the bluster of states, even transnational surveillance dystopias.
[...] cryptography can resist an unlimited application of violence. [...] Cryptography is the ultimate form of non-violent direct action.
- Julian Assange, A Call to Cryptographic Arms, Cypherpunks
We, of the Paradigma collective, meet every Friday at the Wikilab, starting at 6 p.m., to discuss matters of personal safety at the digital environment, both for individuals and organizations. We address themes such as disinformation, survaillence, spying, and means to respond to such dangers using free software, cryptography, and a fair amount of good practices to preserve anonymity. Given that our own safety to such risks is lessened when in company from equally protected individuals, we document the tools that we use in a repository, so that we might aid others to learn how to use and install them during our activities.
We seek to present solutions that are suitable to any given situation and technical expertise, especially for those that have none. In order for us to do that, we incentive all to come, participate, and place your concerns and needs.
To participate
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With the interest of having the best environment possible for the participation of all, we deem indispensable the application of our Code of Conduct, which we urge everyone to familiarize themselves with.
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Bring a computer, tablet, or cellphone. Preferably with an operational system based on free software already installed. If not, we could aid you in the installation of one of these, if you wish.
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We organize this activity together with all participants. Manifest, where you see fit, your necessities and capacities to participate and contribute.
Format
Our activity begins with an introductory conversation that seeks to identify the interests and needs of the participants. These are then organized in groups, and oriented by facilitators to perform a given theoretical or practical exercise on the usage of the tools listed in our repository.
We aim to, through a series of encounters, tackle at least one tool of each modality from our repository. That is, for the devices that are available to each participant. We do so while prioritizing presenting those tools we judge to be most essential for safe communications. That is, in the order that they're listed in the repository.
If you're having any lingering doubts, come chat with us on Riot