Heya all, We have a lot of exciting goodness to share. In summary:
1. May 1st is the next upcoming concept note deadline 2. Congress and the BBG increased OTF’s annual budget, now $12,750,000 3. OTF released our 2013 Annual Report, we want your feedback 4. We’re seeking awesome program managers and technologists -=Submit us your ideas=- Most immediately, OTF has a May 1st concept note deadline quickly approaching.[0] This is an always open competitive solicitation for disruptive technology projects that advance global Internet freedom and human rights online. If you are interested in submitting a concept note for consideration of our support, the process begins by completing a short online form.[1] We’re seeking to support projects broadly focused on the following: 1. *Access* to the Internet, including tools to circumvent website blocks, connection blackouts, and widespread censorship; 2. *Awareness of privacy and security threats and protective measures, including how-to guides and trainings for circumvention tools; 3. *Privacy* enhancement, including the ability to be free from repressive observation and the option to be anonymous when accessing the Internet; and 4. *Security* from danger or threat when accessing the Internet, including encryption tools. OTF supports projects with primary activities to: Ideal project objectives include: 1. Advance *research into repressive Internet interference* on modern communication networks and the methodologies and technologies to best circumvent it; 3. Foster *development of technologies* that circumvent repressive censorship and surveillance or increase communication access and safety; and 3. Enable widespread *implementation of solutions* in an effort to free people from repressive Internet interference. -=OTF’s budget increased… significantly=- In January, we noted that Congress included a large budget increase for Internet freedom.[2] In 2013, the overall Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) Internet freedom program received $9.1 million. In 2014, Congress increased that amount to $25.5 million. Since that time the BBG deliberated on the appropriate strategy to dispense with those funds. On April 11th, 2014, the BBG held an open meeting to vote on how the Internet freedom funds will be allocated.[3] The Board voted to split the funds between OTF and the BBG”s Internet Anti-Censorship program (IAC). This results in OTF receiving $12.75 million, a nearly 3x increase of 2013 funding levels.[4] -=Release of our 2013 Annual Report=- OTF’s 2013 annual report provides an overview of its program, goals, and existing and future commitments to the larger Internet freedom community. It highlights important facets of OTF’s work and the accomplishments and ongoing efforts of projects OTF supports around the world. This report allows the public a deep look inside OTF’s internal processes. It concludes with a vision of OTF’s future work in 2014 and beyond. You should read it because we want your feedback. Your discussions directly affect OTF’s ongoing iterations to the program. -=OTF is hiring=- We’ve more money to support more good ideas. To do so, we need more good folks to join our team. We’re seeking to fill 6 to 8 positions. Our first priority is a Technologist with a mind that can not only keep pace with rapid technological change, but stay one step ahead.[6] This OTF Technologist will be a key decision maker of which project’s OTF determines to support while also developing and leading the implementation of OTF wide technical strategies. Review and apply for all our open positions on our website.[7] -=OTF background=- OTF is a program that utilizes public funds to support Internet freedom projects. We support projects that develop open and accessible technologies promoting human rights and open societies. We strive to advance inclusive and safe access to global communication networks. OTF was created in early 2012 from U.S. Government (USG) funds and sustained by annual grants from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) as a program of Radio Free Asia (RFA) to promote global Internet freedom and combat online censorship.[8][9] The BBG’s mission is to inform, engage and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. RFA’s mission is to provide accurate and timely information to the people of Asia who lack adequate protections for freedom of expression, free speech, and a free press. While RFA’s mission is Asia focused, OTF was given an expanded global vision to fulfill the U.S. Congressional global mandate for Internet freedom funds. The BBG selected RFA as the entity within which to create OTF because of its responsive and agile profile and nonprofit nature, among other factors. Today, OTF’s sole source of support remain an annual BBG grant, whose funds originate from an annual U.S. Congressional appropriation for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.[10] If you have any questions, please send them our way. Thanks! -- Dan Meredith Director, Open Technology Fund pgp 0x36377134 0. https://www.opentechfund.org/submit/deadlines 1. https://www.opentechfund.org/submit 2. https://www.opentechfund.org/article/update-congress 3. http://www.bbg.gov/blog/2014/02/07/board-meeting-april-11-2014/ 4. https://www.opentechfund.org/article/otf-sees-significant-increase-budget-2014 5. https://www.opentechfund.org/sites/default/files/attachments/otf2013annualreportfinal.pdf 6. https://www.opentechfund.org/about/jobs#3 7. https://www.opentechfund.org/about/jobs 8. http://www.rfa.org/ 9. http://www.bbg.gov/ 10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appropriations_bill_(United_States) -- Liberationtech is public & archives are searchable on Google. 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