Computers, Freedom and Privacy Conference 2000

The Computers, Freedom and Privacy Conference 2000 (CFP2000) was the tenth annual gathering dedicated to exploring the intersection of technology, freedom, and privacy. Organized by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), this conference took place from April 4 to 7, 2000, at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. CFP2000 aimed to challenge prevailing assumptions about the digital landscape and foster discussions on the evolving role of technology in society.

Key topics addressed during the conference included the impact of the media on privacy rights, the development and implications of digital authentication systems, and the balance between national security and individual privacy. Sessions such as "The Media and Privacy: Friend, Foe or Folly?" examined the dual role of the media as both a proponent of freedom of information and a potential violator of privacy through practices like intrusive journalism. Another session, "Who Am I and Who Says So?: Privacy and Consumer Issues in Authentication," delved into the complexities of digital signatures and electronic authentication systems, highlighting concerns about personal information privacy and consumer trust in electronic commerce.

The conference featured notable speakers, including Tim O'Reilly, who delivered a keynote address titled "Open Source: The Model for Collaboration in the Age of the Internet." O'Reilly discussed how open-source projects like Linux and Apache provide insights into collaborative efforts in the digital era and emphasized the importance of self-governance and standard-setting within the internet community. Additionally, a workshop on "Freedom and Privacy by Design" was held to explore how technology can be leveraged to inherently protect civil liberties, bringing together implementers and social issue experts to generate ideas for privacy-enhancing systems.

CFP2000 was designed for a diverse audience, including government officials, business leaders, educators, non-profit representatives, computer professionals, hackers, and engineers. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in forward-looking discussions, challenge existing paradigms, and contribute to shaping the future of privacy and freedom in the online world.