Bits & Bäume NRW is a two-day conference that explores how digitalisation of our society can be done more democratically. Throughout various presentation, speakers will discuss subjects such as sustainability, democratic transparency, self-determination, and market monopolies. These questions are often inherent to the choice done by public administrations all over Europe to use open source. Whether it be for its increased transparency towards citizens, its respect of private and personal data, or the capacity to control the way it affects citizens as a whole, open source tools will be part of the discussions.

Bits & Bäume advocates for digitization to be aligned with nature, climate, and resource protection, promoting standards, transparency, and reducing data streams. Secondly, global justice and regional self-determination are emphasized, advocating for involvement of local communities, fair digital economic trade, and digitization in agriculture serving global food sovereignty. Thirdly, they call to control digital monopolies, democratize the digital world, and promote participation, transparency, and verification of data and algorithms. Fourthly, social and ecological justice, peace, and social cohesion should be prioritized in technology design, education, and work. Finally, protection of digital infrastructure and IT security is crucial, emphasizing the need for reliable and secure infrastructures, government systems, and minimum standards for IT security.

During the conference attendees will discuss how to make the digital society fairer, how it can help save our livelihoods on this planet and related matters.

Program is available here.

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