Talk:Group 4

Hey gang,

I'm super excited to work with y'all! Let's keep our discussions here so it's not only easier for us to keep track but for others to join in if they'd like.

Best, Steph

SESTA/FOSTA

Copy/paste from email thread 6/3/19:

(Kristy)

[Topic proposal] What library workers can learn about privacy from sex workers in the wake of SESTA/FOSTA

(Alison)

Here [Maggie Mayhem] is at Defcon giving a talk called "Sex Work After SESTA/FOSTA": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6ymZsyKqbU

...What I love about her talk is how she not only knows specifically about the sex worker threat model, but also how she connects this issue to a broader erosion of privacy rights. Like when she talks about the way that DHS targets "sex trafficking" -- it's really about criminalizing any kind of behavior that's considered aberrant. Or how one of the first things they do is call ICE on people suspected of sex work. Or how it's all in the name of "protection", while actually causing serious harm to the sex worker.

These are themes that appear again and again in surveillance issues. It's in the name of safety and order, but it's actually about power and control, and marginalized people are the most impacted again and again. I would love to see your group project explore these themes and think about how they fit into a library setting. Super exciting.

(TJ) I think we can make a quick 8-page zine that covers what SESTA/FOSTA actually are and mean. Like a primer on the topic before we dive deeper in. Thoughts? Here's a link to the template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1edNnVqNKZ0JD79YSJALX6wGW0CA4W1gm12FID4c5WpU/edit?usp=sharing

It's a .docx format so feel free to play around add/delete content, jazz it up!

(Andrea!) Hi all, I spoke with Ashley this afternoon and I am excited about the potential of this group! A few thoughts: while there is a lot of interest in working on SESTA/FOSTA, I am curious if we are open to using this topic to expand into other challenges? I have an interest in how algorithms are shifting and shaping our thought, experience and creating narratives that are based on an unhealthy mix of "personalized content" that's largely determined by engagement, ad interests, and attention. I think that SESTA/FOSTA could be an interesting place to start looking at some of this, but my interest/goal is to take "lessons learned from SESTA/FOSTA" and how it applies more generally. I am interested/open in instruction, particularly with respect to library worker training on technology issues, so this would be fun for me. What sayeth the group? Further!: Is there any interest in using Signal app for fast communication about what's going on? It might help me engage faster than by email for group communications but I know that all of you work a little differently. Thoughts?

(TJ) Yes to the Signal. I'll email you all my number, I think that's the quickest and easiest way to communicate. Andrea, I like your idea, I just worry it might be too much or get us a little off track with the SESTA/FOSTA stuff. I like the SESTA/FOSTA idea because it's narrow and important, so we can build a lot off of it, that being said, I think your connection to a bigger idea is great. I'm willing to talk about it further, but I want to hear what the rest of the group has to say.

(Ashley) Notes from the meeting 6/28/2019 We worked on creating the project outline to turn into Alison. We discussed SESTA/FOSTA, Libraries as Safe Harbors and the responsibility of librarians to create this space, and the rights of marginalized groups targeted by legislation as well as the overall erosion of rights.

Key Deliverables for November

1. Interviews with Sex Workers on Privacy- We discussed the need to take great care with these interviews, but reaching out to experts is important.

2. Zine on the basics of SESTA/FOSTA and Zine on Libraries as Safe Harbor (Ashley will be responsible for the Zines)

3. Staff training on the responsibility of librarians to create safe harbor and the dangers of SESTA/FOSTA in eroding rights. (Andrea has an interest on this; and would like to split this with someone)

4. Infographic on Safe Harbors (Steph has agreed to be responsible for the Infographic.)

5. Class on Backchannel Communication tools (TJ has agreed to be responsible for the class.)

6. Letter to Legislators

Since all members of the group were not present, changes can be made and assignment responsibility may shift.