So great that we forgot to take photos. Topics included Tailscale and Headscale, Pi-hole, KeePassXC, NixOS and more. We decided as a group today to keep having future meetups at Lawrence Public Library for the foreseeable future, but we will still be focusing on both Kansas and Missouri. Thank you to everyone that showed up. Y'all were awesome!

The Missouri and Kansas Cyber Alliance Network (MOKANCAN) proudly announces its membership in the Electronic Frontier Foundation's grassroots network, the Electronic Frontier Alliance. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for MOKANCAN in its mission to promote and protect digital rights, free expression, security, privacy, creativity, and access to knowledge in the Missouri and Kansas region.

As a member of the Electronic Frontier Alliance, MOKANCAN joins a network of like-minded organizations and individuals dedicated to defending civil liberties and digital rights. By partnering with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), MOKANCAN gains access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and support in their ongoing efforts to safeguard the digital landscape.

MOKANCAN is committed to advocating for the following five principles that lie at the core of its mission:

1. Free Expression: MOKANCAN firmly believes in the freedom of speech and expression, ensuring that individuals have the right to voice their opinions without fear of censorship or reprisal.

2. Security: MOKANCAN is dedicated to raising awareness about online security threats, promoting best practices for safeguarding digital infrastructure, and advocating for policies that protect users' security and privacy.

3. Privacy: MOKANCAN recognizes the importance of personal privacy in the digital age and strives to educate the community about privacy-enhancing technologies, policies, and practices.

4. Creativity: MOKANCAN celebrates and supports the creative endeavors of individuals and organizations, championing their right to fair use, remix, and the free exchange of ideas.

5. Access to Knowledge: MOKANCAN believes in equal access to information and endeavors to bridge the digital divide by promoting digital literacy and advocating for policies that ensure open and affordable access to knowledge for all.

MOKANCAN hosts regular meetings at the Mid-Continent Public Library in Grandview, MO, and the Lawrence Public Library in Lawrence, KS. These gatherings provide an opportunity for members, digital rights advocates, and the community to come together, discuss pressing issues, share knowledge, and work collaboratively towards safeguarding digital freedoms.

By joining forces with the Electronic Frontier Alliance, MOKANCAN strengthens its ability to make a meaningful impact on the digital rights landscape in the Missouri and Kansas region. Together, they are determined to protect and promote the fundamental values of a free and open internet.

For more information about MOKANCAN and their upcoming events, please visit their website at www.mokancan.org.

In today's digital landscape, where personal data is increasingly vulnerable to breaches and online surveillance is a growing concern, safeguarding our privacy has become more critical than ever. Fortunately, there are various tools and techniques available that can empower individuals to take control of their online presence and enhance their privacy.

1. Utilize Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):

Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, create a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. By routing your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, VPNs protect your data from potential eavesdroppers and make it difficult for anyone to track your online activities. Choose a reputable VPN service that prioritizes user privacy, has a strict no-logs policy, and offers strong encryption.

2. Embrace Secure Messaging Apps:

Popular messaging apps often compromise user privacy, collecting personal data and metadata for targeted advertising. Consider using secure messaging apps like Signal or Telegram, which prioritize end-to-end encryption and put privacy at the forefront. These apps ensure that only you and the intended recipient can access your messages, protecting your conversations from prying eyes.

3. Employ Browser Extensions for Privacy:

Browser extensions can significantly enhance your online privacy. Tools like ad-blockers and script blockers not only enhance your browsing experience by blocking intrusive ads and unwanted scripts but also protect you from malicious actors and potential tracking mechanisms. Explore extensions like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, or NoScript to bolster your privacy defenses.

4. Optimize Password Security:

Strong passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your online accounts. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms and opt for long, complex passwords or consider using a password manager. Password managers generate and store strong passwords for you, ensuring that each account has a unique and secure password without the need for memorization.

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. By requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your mobile device, even if someone obtains your password, they won't be able to access your accounts without the additional factor. Enable 2FA wherever possible to protect your accounts from unauthorized access.

6. Regularly Update Software and Operating Systems:

Keeping your software and operating systems up to date is vital for maintaining a secure online environment. Software updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates whenever possible, or regularly check for updates to ensure you have the latest security features and bug fixes.

7. Be Mindful of Online Tracking:

Online tracking is pervasive, with many websites and services collecting data about your browsing habits. Use browser extensions like Privacy Badger or Ghostery to identify and block tracking mechanisms. Additionally, consider using private browsing modes or clearing your cookies regularly to minimize the amount of data collected about your online activities.

Protecting your online privacy is an ongoing effort that requires awareness, proactive measures, and the right tools. By implementing the DIY privacy techniques outlined in this blog post, such as using VPNs, secure messaging apps, browser extensions, and practicing strong password hygiene, you can reclaim control over your online presence and enjoy a safer and more private digital experience. Remember, your privacy matters, and taking these steps will empower you to protect it in an increasingly interconnected world. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay secure.

In our increasingly digitized world, algorithms have an immense influence on our lives. From social media feeds to search engine results, these algorithms shape our experiences and perceptions. However, as we celebrate Pride Month, it's important to examine the impact of algorithms on the LGBTQ+ community. In this blog post, we explore the concept of queering the algorithm and delve into the need for addressing bias and promoting better representation in technology. Let's uncover the challenges, implications, and potential solutions in the pursuit of a more inclusive digital landscape.

Algorithms are designed to make decisions, recommend content, and provide personalized experiences. However, they can unintentionally perpetuate biases, resulting in discrimination and exclusion. This phenomenon, known as algorithmic bias, affects various aspects of life, including LGBTQ+ representation and visibility. The lack of diverse perspectives in algorithmic design can reinforce stereotypes, limit access to resources, and hinder accurate and inclusive representation.

Representation matters. In the digital realm, visibility and representation play a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions and fostering inclusivity. For the LGBTQ+ community, accurate representation in technology is essential for combating stereotypes, promoting understanding, and empowering individuals. When algorithms fail to adequately represent diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, it can perpetuate marginalization and erasure.

Queering the algorithm involves actively addressing and correcting biases in technology. However, this task is not without challenges. Inherent biases in data sets, lack of diverse representation in development teams, and limited transparency in algorithmic decision-making processes pose significant hurdles. This blog post explores these challenges and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between tech companies, LGBTQ+ advocates, and communities to overcome them.

To achieve a more inclusive digital landscape, concerted efforts are required. Here are some strategies and considerations for promoting inclusive algorithmic design:

1) Diverse Representation: Encouraging diverse perspectives and experiences within development teams helps counter biases and ensures more inclusive algorithmic outcomes.

2) Ethical Data Collection: Collecting data in an ethical and responsible manner, with explicit consideration of consent and privacy, is crucial for building algorithms that accurately represent the LGBTQ+ community.

3) Transparency and Accountability: Tech companies should strive for transparency by providing clearer insights into algorithmic decision-making processes. Auditing algorithms and addressing biases should be an ongoing process to ensure accountability.

4) User Feedback and Collaboration: Engaging with users and communities to understand their needs and experiences is vital. Collaborative efforts between tech companies and LGBTQ+ communities can help address biases and improve representation.

5) Algorithmic Literacy: Promoting algorithmic literacy and education among the LGBTQ+ community and beyond can empower individuals to critically engage with technology and challenge biases.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let us recognize the significance of queering the algorithm. By addressing bias and promoting better representation in technology, we can create a more inclusive digital world that embraces the diversity and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. Let us work together to ensure algorithms reflect the true richness and complexity of human identities. Together, we can shape a future where technology promotes equality, understanding, and empowerment.

In today's fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. From social media to artificial intelligence, technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, learn, work, and even fight for our rights. In recent years, technology has played a crucial role in advancing human rights and social justice, empowering individuals and communities to speak up, organize, and advocate for their rights.

One of the most significant ways technology has advanced human rights is through social media. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have provided a global platform for individuals to share their stories and amplify their voices. Through social media, activists and human rights defenders can connect with like-minded individuals, raise awareness about human rights violations, and hold those in power accountable for their actions.

Moreover, technology has also provided tools and platforms for individuals and communities to organize and mobilize for social justice causes. Online petitions, digital campaigns, and crowdfunding platforms have enabled individuals to support social justice causes and raise funds for advocacy and legal action. For example, the #MeToo movement, which started as a hashtag on social media, became a global movement that brought attention to the issue of sexual harassment and assault and led to changes in laws and policies around the world.

In addition, technology has also played a critical role in documenting human rights violations and providing evidence for legal action. With the widespread use of smartphones, individuals can record and share videos and photos of human rights abuses, allowing the world to see the reality of human rights violations. Furthermore, digital forensics tools have enabled investigators to uncover and analyze digital evidence in cases of human rights violations, helping to bring perpetrators to justice.

However, it's important to note that technology is not a panacea for human rights and social justice. Technology can also be used to violate human rights, spread hate speech, and amplify false information. It's essential to ensure that the development and use of technology are guided by ethical and human rights principles, and that technology companies are held accountable for their impact on society.

In conclusion, technology has the potential to be a powerful tool for advancing human rights and social justice. From social media to digital tools for advocacy and evidence gathering, technology can empower individuals and communities to speak up, organize, and advocate for their rights. However, it's important to ensure that the development and use of technology are guided by ethical and human rights principles, and that technology companies are held accountable for their impact on society.

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with others. It has brought us closer together, allowing us to share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with people from all over the world. However, while social media has many benefits, it also has a dark side that can impact our privacy and free expression.

Privacy is a fundamental human right that allows us to control our personal information. However, social media platforms collect and use our personal data in ways that we may not always be aware of. For example, social media companies may use our data to target us with personalized ads or to sell our data to third-party advertisers. Additionally, social media platforms often have access to our location data, browsing history, and search queries, which can be used to build a detailed profile of our online activity.

This collection and use of personal data by social media platforms can have serious implications for our privacy. It can lead to the exposure of sensitive personal information, including our political affiliations, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs. Furthermore, this data can be used to discriminate against us in areas such as employment or housing.

Another way in which social media can impact our privacy is through cyberbullying and online harassment. Social media platforms can be a breeding ground for hate speech, cyberbullying, and other forms of online harassment. This can lead to psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and even suicide.

In addition to privacy concerns, social media can also impact our free expression. While social media platforms claim to be open and free spaces for expression, they often employ content moderation policies that can be inconsistent and biased. For example, content that is deemed offensive or controversial may be removed or censored, limiting our ability to express ourselves freely.

Furthermore, social media platforms often rely on algorithms to determine what content is shown to users. These algorithms can promote content that is popular or controversial, rather than accurate or informative. This can lead to the spread of misinformation and propaganda, which can have serious consequences for our democracy and society as a whole.

In conclusion, while social media has many benefits, it also has a dark side that can impact our privacy and free expression. As individuals, we need to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect ourselves. As a society, we need to hold social media companies accountable for their actions and work towards creating a more open and equitable digital world.