On techno-fascism, upcoming tech-care session (Aug 12) and a beach experiment (Aug 15)
How does that saying go? The best time to stop fascism is before it takes hold. The second best time is right now.
Whether we're in full-blown techno-fascism or almost there depends on who you ask, but the patterns emerging are clear.
With Bill C-2 (the so-called "Strong Borders Act"), the Liberals are hoping their scapegoating of migrants will distract from their efforts to expand the Canadian surveillance state in line with US demands - handing over our data more widely and easily to not only domestic authorities but also to US police, the Trump administration, and other state actors.
This includes the bubble tea app you downloaded to receive rewards points, the dating app that has location permissions on, the clothing store that sent your order to your home address...
Why does this matter?
Companies are already legally bound to cooperate with authorities with a warrant. Ethical organizations will at least notify you when your information has been shared in this way, and ideally, minimize data collected from you in the first place so they have less to hand over. Bill C-2 removes the need for a warrant, and coerces organizations to comply making it much simpler (and with the use of AI powered tools) exponentially easier to aggregate user data, determining behavioural patterns, daily routines, political leanings, etc etc... I think you can fill in the blanks.
We already know this data is being used in the US for the mass deportation machine and the suppression of dissent.
Whatever safe(r) haven this side of the colonial border could have provided for dissenting figures, for people seeking abortions or gender-affirming healthcare, for people fleeing climate chaos, racial violence, for land defenders, refugees, and migrants - this Bill promises to turn Canada into a techno-fascist state with the same contours taking hold globally.
Write to your MP to stop this Bill:
via MigrantRights (Check out the links for organizational endorsement and to pressure your MP as well)
Short of this Bill getting withdrawn, our ability to resist this lies in first, knowing what's happening; second, practising refusal in all the ways we can; and third, (godx willing) dismantling this apparatus in favour of the just world we seek.
A good way to start is to figure out where your data is.
If that's an overwhelming question, you're not alone. Let's get grounded and sort this out together.
...
Which brings me to the next Tech-Care session:
Tech-Care Session:
Tuesday, Aug 12, 6-8pm
@ Creed's Coffee Bar (450 Dupont St, Toronto, ON, M5R 3P3)
Topic: Data Opt-Out: Delete your data from data brokers manually or set up paid data deletion services
Guides and links will be provided. Bring your data queries and ponderings. You're also welcome to bring other digital hygiene tasks to do in a supportive co-working environment.
+++ GET YOUR TICKET+++
If cost is a barrier, please come anyway and give me a heads up.
What are data brokers anyway? What are some possibilities and practices to limit or spoil the data we share about ourselves?
If you're interested in diving deeper into these concepts and figuring out ways to sub/vert these laws if they do come to pass, look out for the next cycle of the Very Offline Club - an opportunity to move towards digital agency and autonomy together with others on a similar journey. I will be sending out more information in the coming weeks.
Now for some lighter fare: here at the Very Offline Club we believe in the power of playful social experimentation.
For that you're invited:
Very Offline Club goes to the Beach
Friday Aug 15, 4-8pm
@ Woodbine Beach*
This is a lighthearted challenge - leave your smartphone at home and make your way to Woodbine beach. This may involve thinking through how you'll navigate to the beach without relying on Google Maps or up to date TTC info, how you may reach out to someone in case of an emergency, how you'll play music at the beach if that's something you'd like, or take photos, or do any of the other things you rely on your smartphone for. This is meant to provoke some discomfort, awaken your curiosity and problem-solving, maybe invoke some nostalgia. (Disclaimer: if it feels too anxiety inducing or you have extenuating circumstances, of course you know your situation best and pls act accordingly! Maybe leave your phone off or see if you can disable Meta & Google apps for the time being...) There may be prizes involved. *An exact location will be sent before the day of the event. Bring your pals (and tell them the guidelines!) If you're coming (and have read this far), reply to this email with "sunny butts version" ;)
Last but not least, mark your calendars for our last Aug event:
Aug 26: Offline Social 6-9pm @ Christie Pits Park
See you offline,
-G
P.S. References and Further Reading on Bill C-2:
Electronic Frontier Foundation: Canada's Bill C-2 Opens the Floodgates to US Surveillance
Citizen Lab: A Preliminary Analysis of Bill C-2
The Conversation: Canada's proposed Strong Borders Act further threatens the legal rights of migrants
The Guardian: With his immigration bill, Canada’s prime minister is bowing to Trump
Globe and Mail: Border bill powers would allow warrantless police requests to doctors, abortion clinics, hotels