In this workshop, Eyebeam will turn into an “Internet Blackout” or “Practocalypse” (Practice Apocalypse), where there is no Internet, just mobile phones and mesh routers. The Guardian Project and Commotion will show participants how to use mesh networking in combination with various mobile and desktop apps to operate in an environment in which, for some reason, intended or unintended, Internet is not available. By playing an interactive role game we will get people thinking and talking about the need to create decentralized Internet networks and Internet ownership, and the practical steps that people can take as individuals in order to improve the situation.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS:

Commotion is a free, open-source communication tool that uses mobile phones, computers, and other wireless devices to create decentralized mesh networks. Commotion provides a way to share Internet connection but it is not a replacement for it.

The Guardian Project creates easy-to-use open source apps, mobile OS security enhancements, and customized mobile devices for people around the world to help them communicate more freely, and protect themselves from intrusion and monitoring.

Hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM

Cost: $25

PREREQUISITES + SCHEDULE:

Routers will be provided during the workshop but participants are welcome to bring their own (Ubiquiti PicoStation M2-HP or Ubiquiti NanoStation M2)

Session 1: 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Participants will be assigned with tasks to be finished by the end of the day. In order to complete them they will need to use GP apps. This first half of the day will be used to download the apps and learn to use them (i.e. Storymaker, Orbot, Orweb, Ostel, Chatsecure, Pixelnot, InformaCam). By the end of the session the internet will go down.

Session 2: 1:30PM – 4:00PM

We will work to setup street-level pop-up mesh networks outdoors to accomplish these tasks.

Register here!