Manal al-Sharif

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Manal al-Sharif

Tech4Evil Podcast Cybersecurity Expert & Activist

Manal al-Sharif
CO-HOST
Manal is a computer scientist by education, cyber security specialist by profession and activist by accident. One of Newsweek’s Top 10 Digital Revolutionaries globally, Manal al-Sharif brings over 20 years of tech expertise to the Tech4Evil.com Podcast and the Ethical Technologists Society EthicalTechies.org

Her activism has shown her the tremendous power of technology, as well as its dark side. She led the #Women2Drive movement in 2011 to challenge Saudi Arabia’s ban on female drivers. By 2018, Manal had to go off social media entirely to protest how dictators are using these same tools to control the masses.

Manal is a regular contributor in the New York Times, the Washington Post and now writes for Michael West Media. In addition, she has delivered speeches for TED and Harvard and the United Nations, UNESCO, the Obama Summit, and many more.

Her memoir ‘Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening’ is an intimate story of her life growing up in one of the most masculine societies in the world.

Related Sessions

Featured Session: Manal al-Sharif - Hacking Oppression: The Battle for Human Rights in the Digital Age

FRI, OCT 20, 11:00 AM
Conference
In this session, Manal al-Sharif aims to unravel the paradox of technology in non-democratic societies: its power to both liberate and oppress. She will demonstrate how human rights defenders harness technology to advocate for social justice, share their stories, and connect with global audiences. Conversely, she will expose technology's darker role, its exploitation by regimes to surveil, control, and manipulate citizens. Beyond raising awareness, her session aims to inspire change. Manal will explore innovative solutions and emerging technologies that hold potential to combat disinformation, protect freedom of expression, and tip the power balance towards the people. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of technology's dual role in human rights and acquire strategies to foster a more equitable digital world. With firsthand advocacy experience and deep technological insight, Hacking Oppression promises a personal, globally-relevant narrative that resonates with our shared digital future.

Tech4Evil Podcast - Digital Battlegrounds: Bytes, Bravery, and the Pursuit of Freedom

FRI, OCT 20, 2:00 PM
Conference
The digital era – a double-edged sword, wielded by both heroes and tyrants. Welcome to an electrifying season, where the stakes are high, and the warriors are relentless. “Dictatorship in the Digital Space” is an unsettling reality. As dictators exploit cutting-edge tech to muzzle dissent, monitor every move, and craft illusions of popularity, a valiant counterforce rises. Join a live session with Manal and Reinhardt from the Tech4Evil.com podcast on season 3 titled “Don’t Click Here.” We dive into the riveting stories of intrepid activists, journalists, and freedom fighters from around the globe, showcasing their unwavering courage in the face of digital oppression. In one compelling live episode, we unravel how donating your old USB flash drives can become an unexpected tool in freeing North Korea from isolation. Delve into the narrative of a fashion designer who ingeniously employs technology to combat slave labor in the Uyghur forced labor camps, unveiling the power of creativity in the fight for human rights. Discover the remarkable journey of an entrepreneur who takes on the battlefield of Twitter to combat disinformation, showcasing how grassroots efforts can challenge the spread of falsehoods in the digital age. From ingenious tactics that keep communication lines open during internet blackouts, to subverting digital surveillance with counter-tech, this episode illuminates the indomitable human spirit, revealing the ingenuity born from necessity. But it’s more than stories; it’s an awakening. Through insights into the global struggle between liberty and oppression, democracy and dictatorship, you’ll grasp the vital role technology plays in shaping our shared future. The digital reckoning is upon us. Will you join the ranks of the guardians of freedom? Empower yourself and your community by learning how to be a force for good in the digital age. #EthiTech #tech4Good #Tech4Evil #HumanRights #DigitalRights #Surveillance #Democracy #Freedom #Dictators #DigitalActivism #DigitalTyranny #TyrannyofTech
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