April is already here and we are starting the final countdown till the first Freedom & Tech Conference dedicated to Blockchain, Free Software & Privacy and Life off-the-grid with an interview with Klaus Herberth from our entirely international group of speakers: the #privacy section.
“More and bigger silos are emerging where you are the product and you are being milked for your data and metadata. But there is good news: It’s a breeze to get your freedom back with federated FLOSS applications” promises Klaus. At #LibertyBits2018 he will give us a clue as to how we could take back control over our data and communication XMPP and Nextcloud.
Hello, Klaus! Would you please introduce yourself in a few words?
As a research assistant of the Distributed Systems Laboratory at the University of Konstanz, I try to combine privacy, security, and usability in a way that people can easily protect their privacy and freedom. In my current work, I focus on a protocol for secure communication in dynamic groups. Since 5 years I’m also the lead developer of the JavaScript XMPP Client and contribute to many other open source projects.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE SPEAKERS’ LIST OF LIBERTYBITS CONFERENCE?
Privacy and security are very close to my heart and I’m always excited to inspire other people.
WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF “LIBERTY” (FREEDOM) AND WHAT ARE THE MOST UNDERESTIMATED THREATS TO OUR MODERN SOCIETY?
Liberty is when you can do and say everything you like without hurting anyone. I think the most underestimated threat is the growing complexity of our systems.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO EVERYONE WHO THINKS THAT KEEPING PRIVACY IS IRRELEVANT FOR THEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE?
You also have to think about journalists and people in countries with e.g. totalitarian regimes, because privacy related soft- and hardware is only developed if there is a need for a large community.
WHAT IS THE EASIEST EASY WAY TO PROTECT OUR PRIVACY IF WE ARE NOT SO TECH-SAVVY PEOPLE?
Sadly there is no easy solution.
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE CONFERENCE?
To meet people with the same mindset and to delight people to care about their privacy. Thank you very much, Klaus! Sounds encouraging to know that we have got people out there dedicating their special skills and efforts to effectively counter fight the attacks to our privacy! Our LibertyBits guests will be privileged to gain some in-depth knowledge on a topic as hot as #privacy is nowadays. Save the date: 24th April 2018 at Sofia Tech Park!
Take the chance and reserve your seat A.S.A.P. for the second edition of LibertyBits Conference here: