Hello neighbors! Did your level of concern about online privacy go up when the heads of all the major tech companies lined up behind Trump at the inauguration? Did it jump a whole lot higher when Musk started rampaging through sensitive government computer systems? And did it push you right over the edge when Google renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America to please Trump?
Never fear! There are lots of easy things you can do to protect your privacy online. And your neighbors are here to help! On Saturday, March 29 from 10 to 12, a group of Burlington residents are organizing a "Data Privacy Teach-in" at Fletcher Free Library. It'll be a drop-in event, with different tables for different needs:
* Improving privacy settings on your phone
* Switching to privacy-respecting apps
* Browsers and search engines you can trust not to spy on you
* How to manage parental controls for child safety online
...and more!
Come for as long or as short as you like and get help with what you need right on the spot from community volunteers. Bring your (fully charged) phone or laptop. And bring a friend!
Bonus: we'll have info at the event about a bill currently being considered by the Vermont legislature that would significantly improve online privacy for Vermonters. Everyone is invited (if they want) to write a quick note to their legislator on the spot asking them to support the bill.
IMPORTANT: Are you the kind of person who other people always ask for help with their tech issues? We need you for this event! We're calling it a "teach-in" because anyone and everyone who can help others with online privacy is welcome to do so. If you are interested in being a day-of volunteer for this event, please fill out this quick form: https://forms.gle/fmmDeMjpZE3Fe5UG9
Please email jason.vandriesche@hey.com with any questions. See you on March 29!
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