Mozilla

What’s the difference between open and closed AI models, and why does it matter for the future of technology? In the latest episode of Computer Says Maybe, Mozilla president Mark Surman co-hosts alongside Alix to explore how open source has shaped the world—and how openness in AI could change the politics and economics of tech. This episode features: - Sayash Kapoor, co-author of AI Snake Oil, on the risks of open AI models - Audrey Tang on the power of open participation and the free software movement - Alondra Nelson on how openness drives accountability and challenges big tech - Merouane Debbah on the unique barriers to openness in the Global South Tune in now, and don’t miss part two next week! 🎧👇 https://lnkd.in/gG7GEZZc

Last week, we had the privilege of co-hosting a breakfast roundtable event with the University of Cape Town (UCT) and USAID, hosted by UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela. Themed “South Africa: Responsible Computing – Curriculum and Beyond,” the event brought together thought leaders, including the USAID-SA Mission Director, African Bureau, and Emerging Technologies teams. Discussions centered on key topics such as responsible computing curriculum, industry engagement, and youth development. A highlight of the conversation was exploring the broader role universities can play beyond curriculum creation, particularly in advocacy, policy influence, and inclusive skills training. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future for South Africa. What role do you think universities should play in shaping AI and tech policy?

We know 4 ways you can reclaim the Internet. Join us to hear from four speakers as they share how #tech intersects with culture, justice, and philanthropy in ways you’ve never seen before. RSVP to join us LIVE from #MozFest House Zambia ⤵

Help rewrite the rules of tech. ✍ At #MozFest House Zambia, we’re tapping into the power of solidarity to rethink #tech governance. RSVP to watch this panel and be part of the change. ⤵

Open-source is paving the way for ethical AI. Join this conversation taking place LIVE at #MozFest House Zambia to learn how open-source tech enables local technologists to create #AI that truly serves their communities. Gain insights into the choices, challenges, and real-world impact of building transparent, people-first technology. RSVP now to be part of the conversation.

MozFest House Zambia 2024: A Journey I’ll Never Forget Today was Day One of MozFest House Zambia 2024, and honestly, I’m still soaking it all in. There’s something magical about being part of something so vibrant, so bold, and so full of potential—it feels like stepping into a dream you didn’t even know you had. For the first time, I got to experience what it means to be a Wrangler at Mozilla Festival Wranglers are the invisible glue of this global movement, weaving together sessions, speakers, and ideas to create a space where innovation and humanity collide. When I first learned about the role, I knew it would be special, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how alive this experience would make me feel. This Week, I didn’t just wrangle—I had the honor of moderating the Main Stage and leading the Virtual Networking session. These roles, especially for someone like me who’s passionate about connecting people and amplifying voices, felt like the rarest gift. My first task? Moderating the Main Stage. I can’t describe the feeling of standing there, seeing all those eager faces, knowing that I was helping set the tone for these conversations. Whether it was a speaker challenging us to rethink the way we use technology or a panel exploring how innovation can drive equitable financial systems, it was electric. And as I reflect on today, I realize something powerful—this isn’t just a festival about technology. MozFest is about us. It’s about the stories we carry, the challenges we face, and the futures we dare to imagine. This is only the beginning, and I’m already excited for Day Two. If today is anything to go by, tomorrow will be even more incredible. Thank you to everyone who showed up today with open hearts and open minds. And thank you, Mozilla Festival , for trusting me with this opportunity. #MozFestHouseZambia2024 #WranglerJourney #TechMeetsHumanity #DayOneMagic

At #MozFest House Zambia, we’re cutting through the noise to expose the real impact of #fintech — privacy risks, security gaps, and more. Join this panel and reimagine digital systems that work for everyone. RSVP today to join the conversation. ⤵️

Angela Oduor Lungati is redefining how communities use their data to reclaim the internet and create change. Join us at #MozFest House Zambia to unpack the power of tech when it’s driven by the people, for the people. RSVP to catch this keynote live online. ⤵️

We all have an internet story worth sharing. In My Corner Of The Internet, we talk with people about the online spaces they can’t get enough of, the sites and forums that shaped them, and what reclaiming the internet really looks like.

🚀 Exciting update: My AIMZ report is live! 🚀 🌍 Today, our Africa Innovation Mradi Research Cohort gathers at Mozilla Festival MozFest House Zambia in Lusaka and are excited to discuss key recommendations from our research and advocate for areas essential to researchers and tech-focused organizations across Africa. I’ll share insights from my AIMZ (Artificial Intelligence in Maternal Health in Zambia) research with Dawa Health, showing how locally sourced, inclusive data can transform healthcare for women in Southern Africa. Our latest report, "Incomplete Chronicles: Unveiling Data Bias in Maternal Health," delves into conventional data, archival practices, and marginalised data archives and explores the intersection of AI and maternal health in Zambia. AIMZ is now Dawa Health’s research chapter, driving representative maternal data and enhancing mobile health platform user experience (UX). Read the report for our findings: https://lnkd.in/eqitf_je The AIMZ initiative highlights how local knowledge and community engagement can reshape how we collect and interpret health data. As AI-driven health technologies advance, they must serve the needs of all communities, especially in contexts where access and literacy barriers persist. Key insights from the report include: 🔍 The need for localised, inclusive datasets   🤖 Challenges of algorithmic biases in health diagnostics   🤝 The power of ethnographic engagement for impactful AI solutions  A heartfelt thank you to the Mozilla Foundation, my collaborators across Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and my Africa Innovation Mradi colleagues. Grateful to be working towards a more equitable AI landscape in maternal healthcare. A huge shout out and thanks to Tracy Kariuki and Koliwe Majama for the reflections. #MaternalHealth #AI #Ethnography #AIMZ #InnovationInHealth #SouthernAfrica #Archives #Data