Dispatches from
the Digital Frontier

A Blog from New America's Open Technology Institute

Like Democracies, Internet Freedom Cannot Be Taken For Granted

  • By
  • James Losey
December 22, 2011

If there had been any doubt before, events over the past year have underscored just how important the Internet has become for activists fighting for human rights and democracy around the world. However, 2011 also highlighted how censorship, surveillance, and the shutdown of Internet and wireless services can impact digital activism. Shutdowns bookedended the year with Egypt in January to Kazakhstan in December.

How local can you get? Michigan Welfare Rights Organization uses a wireless network to get its message out in downtown Detroit

  • By
  • Joshua Breitbart
December 21, 2011

Using just a few wireless routers and open source software, the Detroit Digital Justice Coalition is demonstrating how community organizations can use wireless networks to strengthen neighborhoods.

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Call for Proposals: Defining and Measuring Meaningful Broadband Adoption

December 20, 2011

An academic workshop at New America Foundation, April 11, 2012

As government services, political discourse and commerce expand online, policymakers and public interest organizations are promoting broadband “adoption” among people who are not currently using the Internet, or using it marginally. Yet there is little discussion of what “adoption” means or how it can be measured.

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Apply for the 2012 Google Policy Fellowship Program with Open Technology Initiative

December 13, 2011

Google is now accepting 2012 Policy Fellowship applications in conjunction with the New America Foundation's Open Technology Initiative (OTI). Students from all majors and degree programs who are passionate about technology and telecommunications policy issues are encouraged to apply.

Allied Media Projects and the Detroit Digital Justice Coalition: Building a Healthy Digital Ecosystem in Detroit

  • By
  • Bincy Ninan-Moses
December 6, 2011
Photo Credit: Allied Media Projects

“Often the most holistic solutions come from places with fewer resources. When people are deeply rooted in their communities, they think about how technology and media can support local solutions,” says Diana Nucera, Co-Director of Allied Media Projects (AMP) in Detroit, Michigan.

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Start with the People: Building a Community Wireless Network in Mount Pleasant

  • By
  • Preston Rhea
November 28, 2011

If you are not yet familiar with Mount Pleasant, here’s a chance to learn about one of DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods. It’s a diverse area not far from downtown DC, featuring a main street lined with locally-owned businesses. Many of these shops and restaurants are owned and run by the area’s large Latino community, which has long been central to shaping the neighborhood’s character.

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Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Evaluation: Is a story worth a thousand numbers?

  • By
  • Bincy Ninan-Moses
  • Greta Byrum
November 23, 2011

Now that the rush toward implementation of BTOP-funded public computer centers and digital literacy programs around the country is turning into a rush to make long-term sustainability plans, partners are looking for effective program evaluation strategies. As it turns out, establishing community-driven metrics is proving to be a challenge.

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Online or Offline, Trust Still Matters

  • By
  • Preston Rhea
November 3, 2011
The British Council’s “Connected” performing arts showcase

 

The following is cross-posted from the British Council Voices blog. On November 9, the Open Technology Initiative and the British Council will co-host the event "Trust 2.0: Building Trust Through Technology" at the New America Foundation as part of the Washington, DC, festival Digital Capital Week.

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New Tools for Today's Investigative Journalist

  • By
  • Dan Meredith
October 14, 2011
Publication Image

Originally posted on DanBlah.com

While I am by no means a seasoned investigative journalist, I have the good fortune to work with some. Looking ten years back I couldn't imagine a media organization considering geek qualifications a core part of an investigative team. In 2011, turning a geek into an investigative journalist is a no-brainer.

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Name that Tech – Collaborative Design Challenge Workshop

September 6, 2011

NOTE: This article was originally posted by Nina Bianchi at the Detroit Digital Justice Coalition site.

Twitter by Drew Gordon

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