My First FOSSCON Experience

Hey everyone!

I’m still buzzing from my recent visit to FOSSCON 2024, which took place in Puducherry. The event was a fantastic opportunity for me to connect with fellow advocates of Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) and be inspired by their passion and dedication.

Puducherry MLA Speech

The talks at FOSSCON 2024 were thought-provoking and highlighted the importance of digital freedom, ownership, and community-driven values. One of the keynote speakers, a Puducherry MLA, shared his insights on how FOSS can empower people to stand up for what’s right in today’s world:

“Free software is not just about code; it’s a foundation for movements that promote unity, equality, and justice.”

He emphasized how access to open-source technology can be a powerful tool for marginalized communities and individuals who are fighting against systemic injustices. His words resonated deeply with me.

Another speaker, a former computer software engineer turned MLA, shared his personal journey of discovering FOSS through Unix commands like sed and awk. He highlighted how he first learned about these powerful tools from a random guy in conversation:

“His casual mention of sed and awk sparked my interest in the world of free software… I realized that human communication and skill-sharing are just as valuable”

but nowadays we are always on our device and lost genuine communication. which i believe is due to addictive usage of manipulative social media and propriertary garbage that manipulates the huge amount of mass shaping their own culture while denying the tradition and culture they are born from.

Knowledge Acquired from session:

I was also fascinated by discussions on free software licenses (GPL, GNU), data privacy laws as a fiduciary and principle, dark patterns used to manipulate users, and the ethics of FOSS guiding entrepreneurs towards human wellbeing over profits. The talks highlighted how big tech companies like Google exploit user data for their gain. They use various tactics such as WiFi scanning from devices to gather precise location information and collect vast amounts of metadata on user behavior. For example, they encourage contributions by asking users about places in the map app or conducting contests where participants receive cheap goodies while Google earns a significant profit by selling their map API, which is essentially built using people’s phone data and work. This exploitation of peoples’ work for profit got me thinking about the importance of transparency, accountability, and community-driven initiatives in FOSS.

FSHM Memebers talks about Free software movement and reasons to preserve it over time.

I was impressed by the emphasis on ethics in FOSS as a guiding principle for aspiring entrepreneurs, tech-savvy individuals, and hackers alike. It’s heartening to see our community prioritize human wellbeing over profit-minded goals.

But what struck me most was the realization that technology itself doesn’t necessarily benefit everyone equally. The Next speakers emphasized how different groups of people face unique challenges based on their environment, culture, life situation… and how we need to be mindful of these differences when consuming technology. It’s not just about having access to tech; it’s also about understanding where you stand in the world and using technology wisely.

So, let’s take a step back and reflect: are we truly benefiting from the technologies that surround us? Or are there groups or individuals who are being left behind?

The talks at FOSSCON 2024 not only shed light on the importance of digital freedom, but also offered practical steps to get involved in the Free Software movement. They shared habits and practices that can help us reclaim our autonomy, foster genuine connections, and create a more just and equitable world – one where technology serves humanity, rather than controlling it.

FOSSCON 2024 taught me that true digital freedom comes not just from having access to open-source software, but also from recognizing our own privilege and responsibility in using technology. It’s a call to action: let’s analyze where we stand in life, consume technology mindfully, and strive for a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape.

It left me with a renewed sense of purpose: to contribute more actively towards promoting digital freedom, ownership, and open-source values in my own life and beyond!

Peace :)

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