- NEAR’s event featured AI advancements, NEAR AI Assistant launch, and NEAR Intents for AI interaction.
- Snowden discussed digital sovereignty and civil liberty.
TL,DR
NEAR held an event featuring talks on technology’s future, NEAR AI launch, NEAR Intents, Edward Snowden discussing digital sovereignty, and more. The event aimed to bridge web2 and web3 worlds, enhance AI research, and improve blockchain scalability. Snowden emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty and individual control over data.
Sun Nov 10 14:26:56 -2024 UTC– Edward Snowden, the renowned whistleblower, made a rare public appearance at a recent conference hosted by the NEAR Foundation. Dialing in remotely, Snowden shared his thoughts on digital sovereignty and the evolving landscape of civil liberties in the age of artificial intelligence. The event, moderated by David Morrison of the NEAR Foundation, delved into the implications of digital control by governments and corporations.
Snowden Advocates for Civil Liberties Amid Growing State Surveillance
In his address, Snowden urged the audience to critically evaluate the various forces shaping modern life, particularly the influence of governments and the pursuit of digital sovereignty. “There is a level of power in our hands today, and we’re not asking how we’re using it,” Snowden stated. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness in an era where state and corporate surveillance dominate, noting, “Governments write sticky notes on us, mapping the entirety of our lives.”
Snowden argued that civil liberty, which he defined as freedom of belief without interference, is increasingly compromised by states seeking to regulate digital spaces. He highlighted how governments often justify surveillance under the guise of national security but warned that this encroaches on fundamental freedoms.
The Case for Digital Sovereignty
Snowden’s speech went beyond criticizing state control to propose a redefinition of digital sovereignty. He distinguished between government-imposed regulations and true sovereignty, which he sees as a means for individuals to safeguard their civil liberties. “Governments say digital sovereignty is about regulating the internet for our purposes. But that’s not what it is,” he explained. According to Snowden, true digital sovereignty empowers individuals to control their data and resist external influences.
To illustrate his point, Snowden referenced Bitcoin as a model of decentralized control, where no single entity can exert influence. As governments and financial institutions move into the crypto space, Snowden cautioned against letting them dominate this new digital frontier. “We need to reflect on the trends and expectations placed on us,” he advised, encouraging the audience to embrace self-sovereignty rather than conforming to inherited systems.
Why It Matters
Snowden’s message resonates in a world where digital privacy is increasingly under threat. As states and corporations gain access to vast amounts of personal data, individuals risk losing control over their digital identities. By calling for a reassessment of digital sovereignty, Snowden urges individuals to protect their rights in an era dominated by surveillance.
Snowden concluded his remarks with a call to action: “We don’t need to accept the world as it is. We can do something different from what we inherited.” He left the audience with the challenge to reclaim their autonomy in the digital realm and to push back against pervasive state control.