TfD Weekly - 26th August 2026
Say No to Waymo labour webinar tonight. Plus ClimateFast maps AI data centres across the GTA, and the Surveillance Stroll returns September 6.
Welcome to TfD Weekly
TfD Weekly is the newsletter of Technologists for Democracy (TfD), a Toronto-based civic tech organisation working at the intersection of technology, privacy, and democratic accountability. Each week we recap what's happening at Civic Tech Toronto, share updates on our campaigns, and keep an eye on legislation that affects Canadians' digital rights.
Our active campaigns:
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This Week at Civic Tech Toronto
This week's speakers were Anna H, Julian Egelstaff, and Adam Khafagy, presenting on the People's Data Centre Map built by ClimateFast.
AI is a topic of increasing concern for the wider public. While the fears around replacement in the workplace & disinformation are well-established, many questions remain around the infrastructure that powers this technology.
Data centres are being built at an increasing rate, and global trends show this occurring disproportionately in lower-income neighbourhoods. Construction and operation of these data centres have long been associated with increased electricity costs and noise levels, while also directly affecting local air and groundwater quality.
Maps like this one hold dual benefits of enabling the cataloguing of information while also informing people about what's happening in their own backyards.
Follow ClimateFast on Instagram.
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Say No to Waymo: Labour Webinar Tonight
Our webinar is happening this evening! If you haven't signed up yet, there's still time.
The human impact of autonomous vehicles and robotaxis is a topic that deeply matters to us. We love technology, but we don't want to see its implementation come at a cost to people.
Our webinar is a chance to hear directly from 2 experts with deep knowledge and lived experience.
- Earla Phillips is a rideshare driver and advocate with 11 years in the industry. She writes about the gig economy on her Substack The Fare Truth
- Camila Justino is a writer and researcher who also works as a data annotator, an increasingly important role in an AI-driven future.
Join us for an evening of discussion, insight, and pathways to action.
If you oppose Waymo coming to Ontario, sign our petition:
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TfD Urban Walk Series: The Surveillance Stroll
Each day, we pass buildings and streets with cameras recording our movements, all hidden in plain sight. Have you ever wondered what role cameras and other technologies around you play? How do they square against our nation's privacy laws?
Join us on the 6th of September at Union Station. Spaces are limited, so make sure you sign up.
After our walk, you'll never see public spaces the same again.
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Technologists for Democracy is a community of Canadians who work with technology towards better democracy for all. Learn more at techfordemocracy.ca
Until next time,
The TfD Team