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Richard Stallman: Free Software and Freedom in the Digital Society

A non-technical lecture for all computer users.

How free are we really when computers, phones, and online services govern our daily lives?

Dr Richard Stallman – founder of the Free Software Foundation and founder and lead developer of the GNU operating system – explains why free software is the first battle in liberating the digital society.

What is it about?

Stallman outlines the central threats to our freedom:

• Non-free software.
• Massive surveillance and censorship.
• “War on Sharing”.
• Untrustworthy voting machines.
• How web services and corporate terms make us dependent on individual actors.

Get an exclusive insight into Bahnhof’s new data centre

The lecture will take place in the Bahnhof Bunker – Bahnhof’s new data centre, which will be inaugurated in 2026. A 6,000-square-metre underground facility encased in granite and gneiss in the heart of Gothenburg. Watch the film here.

This is a unique opportunity for a first look at the site before the real work begins – an exclusive preview of what will become one of Europe’s most spectacular server hall environments.

The lecture is non-technical and addresses ethical and political issues relevant to all computer users.

Cash

The lecture is, of course, free of charge, but Stallman will also be selling books and essays in support of the Free Software Foundation (FSF) as well as distributing GNU stickers. Purchases require cash. All proceeds go directly to the FSF.

After Work

After the lecture, we continue with an AW where complimentary beer and simple food will be served. This is a chance to continue the discussions, meet other participants, and socialise in a unique bunker setting.

Practical information

Date & time: 10 October at 15:00, approx. 60 min lecture + 60 min Q&A.
Venue: Bahnhof Bunker, Batterigatan 3, Gothenburg.
Language: English.

Registration

Our registration is entirely free from JavaScript.

This means you do not need to run any non-free software in your browser to register – a principle Stallman himself emphasises as central to digital freedom.

Batterigatan 3, Gothenburg | bahnhof.se

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