For activists and organizers worldwide, digital tools have become vital infrastructure for creating change. Yet most rely on platforms designed for other purposes, with business models that don't prioritize movement needs. Emil Vincentz, Executive Director at Acter, discusses how their encrypted organizing app is building technology that truly serves social movements rather than extracting value from user data and attention. This conversation explores the challenges of digital organizing in an era of increased authoritarianism, the importance of secure and usable tools, and how decentralized technology can help preserve activist spaces. Whether you're an activist, community organizer, or simply concerned about digital rights, this discussion offers valuable insights on creating technology that puts people before profit.
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Key Topics:
-The difference between mobilizing vs. organizing in social movements
-How current digital tools shape activist organizing (often not for the better)
-Matrix protocol and decentralized technology for movement security
-Designing technology that respects user attention and privacy
-Security challenges for activists in restrictive environments
-Creating sustainable movement structures that don't rely on individuals
-Balancing usability with security in activist technology
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Time Stamps:
00:00 - Welcome and Introduction
00:45 - Emil's Background and Journey to Acter
03:06 - Common Misconceptions About Activism
05:24 - Security vs. Usability in Activist Tools
07:02 - How Digital Tools Shape Movements
09:14 - The Problem Acter is Solving
14:10 - How Acter Works and Key Features
16:56 - Security Features and Threat Models
19:11 - Creating Tech for People, Not Attention Extraction
22:53 - Building a Community Around Acter
23:34 - The Role of Social Movements in Civil Society
26:34 - Technology's Impact on Activism
29:53 - The Matrix Protocol Explained
32:21 - Data Sovereignty and User Control
35:33 - Challenges to Adoption
37:26 - Acter's Current Stage and Future Plans
40:28 - Key Partnerships
43:17 - Advice for Reimagining Activism
46:32 - How to Get Involved with Acter
-- 📖 Further Reading
Polycrisis
Digital Hygiene
Digital Security Tips for Protesters
Mesh Network
Gen Z Has Regrets
About Matrix
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Connect With Acter:
Acter App available on iOS and Android app stores
Digital Activism Podcast: https://acter.global/podcast/
Reach out to Emil: emil at acter.global or hello at acter.global
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acter-global/posts/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/acterglobal.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acterglobal/
Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies, and emerging economic models that put humanity and our planet first. The show challenges assumptions to reshape how we think about progress and prosperity.
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