The 6th edition of public Spaces Conference is here, this year with the theme of ‘Technology for Democracy’! In its early days, the Internet was supposed to act as a tool to democratise things, instead it has now concentrated power. In our time, though, something has already started in the world of digita infrastructure. Away from big tech companies and the power revolving around them, a growing community of developers, researchers and community organisers is trying to shape an alternative internet, the one that prioritizes people over market profit, and transparency over control. Here you can read more about Public Spaces Conference 2026: Technology for democracy!
More about the free events that you don’t want to miss out:
People vs. AI
The first evening event is the third edition of ‘People vs. AI’, a discussion in AI development, pointing out the gap between people making the algorithmic system and communities affected by them. Showcasing the result of the We Build the Future Mockathon, a collaborative initiative aimed at imagining data-driven technologies shaped by community experience, this evening aims to offer a different approach. This programme is mostly in Dutch. If you want to learn more about community-developed technologies that work for the communities, make sure to reserve your in-person spot
Want to learn more about this? Book your free ticket to People vs. AI on 4th of June, 19:30
Open Socials Award Show
As frustration with Big Tech social media continues to grow, a new generation of builders is creating alternatives — independent, community-owned platforms that put users in control of their own data, communities, and online spaces. New_ Public, PublicSpaces and Waag Futurelab announced the winners of the inaugural Open Social Awards, recognising the most compelling of those efforts. From 74 submissions reviewed by an international jury of six experts in technology, media, and digital policy — Audrey Tang, Johannes Ernst, Laurens Hof, Melanie Bartos, Mike Masnick, Robin Berjon — three projects have been recognised as winners, with five receiving Honourable Mentions!
Curious to know more about winners? Book your free ticket to the awards on 5th of June, 20:00.
