The Open Technology Initiative of the New America Foundation hosted a discussion Thursday evening on the potential inherent in digital technology for community activism. Mary Joyce presented ideas from her new book, Digital Activism Decoded: The New Mechanics of Change, joined by four other experts on digital activism. Moderated by NAF Knight Media Policy Fellow Tom Glaisyer, Robin Lerner, Counsel for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke on the state of technology-related legislation on the Hill, and Katharine Kendrick, a Program Analyst for Internet Freedom at the Department of State, discussed the challenges of assisting digital activists internationally. Joshua Goldstein, Coordinator for Apps for Africa 2010, participated via video feed from Nairobi, Kenya, describing his first-hand experiences with a divide in technology participation.

Panelists debated the merits of policies aiding activists to use technology for both organizing and activism. Questions arose over the role of United States policy in the broader international framework, ranging from Internet censorship to cyber-security. Following the panel, webcast live on Newamerica.net, NAF hosted audience members and panelists for drinks and informal discussion.