#techfreedom

Doug discusses the importance of considering the ethics and values behind the software projects we use, citing the potential risks of being associated with vendors that may hold problematic views. He references an article by Dorian Taylor, which highlights the need to reassess relationships with vendors that may have become liabilities. Doug also shares his own experience of creating an alternative solution, Quire, in response to concerns about certain software projects.

Doug will be attending three events in the next couple of weeks, including TechFreedom: Is the biggest risk to your organisation even on your risk register? and AI, Communities & Coops. These events will take place on 9th, 15th, and 17th September, with locations including online and London. Doug is also planning to run a TechFreedom cohort with Tom in October and November.

Doug shares that he is currently recuperating from a calf injury, which he sustained while racing his daughter. He has used this time to compile and publish TechFreedom Digest #5, which is now available for reading.

Doug announces that TechFreedom, now a project of FIELD STATION, is open for signups for its September cohort. The three-session programme, priced at £450, helps social purpose organisations assess technology dependencies and build strategic roadmaps, with sessions on 16 September, 30 September, and 14 October 2026. A free taster session is also available in early September.

Doug summarises a detailed guide by Nīkau on transitioning organisations away from big tech platforms, emphasising sovereignty and a holistic approach over mere migration. He notes its technical focus and relevance to his work with FIELD STATION and TechFreedom, highlighting the importance of user engagement and careful planning in the process.

Tom Watson presented at TechNExt using MarkDeck 3D for the first time since leaving Mozilla. The presentation covered TechFreedom and marked the debut of the 3D web presentation tool at the event.