10/10/10 Cell Phone Justice

The cell phone is at the same time a talking drum, a device to amplify oral traditions, and a surveillance tool, which inscribes any SMS, video, voice or location into the permanent databases of service providers and other, third parties. Cell phones are big business because they are tools of liberation and surveillance at the same time. The individual gains expressive freedom, and the powers that shape our communities gain data. This data about daily habits and trajectories may play a role in predicting human activity, which, on one hand, may help us achieve better collective welfare. On the other hand, according to MC Hammer, we may have to deprogram (Oakland Local interview with Cecil Brown), and learn what, beyond information, makes life precious. Music is another point of contact for oral and literal traditions, as Too Short explains in his interview with Dr. Brown.

The 101010 conveners are Dr. Cecil Brown and Prof. Greg Niemeyer. The main sponsor and organizer is the Berkeley Center for New Media. 101010 is happening from noon to 6 PM at the Eastside Arts Alliance in Oakland, CA. You can get to the Alliance by barting to the Fruitvale BART station and walking north for a mile on International Boulevard.

101010 is a conference organized by Greg Niemeyer and Cecil Brown at the UC Berkeley Center for New Media, free and open to the public.