Sam Smith, Democracy & Transparency activist

Sam Smith has worked on various projects around data, democracy, transparency and other activism for nearly a decade. Recently involved in some small human rights related projects, the ManchesterAirportOnTrial.org support team, a few media stunts, salt bins, and a few other things in what is mythically referred to as "free time". He especially enjoys projects that bring a simple tangible benefit to people, preferably over the long term; but after 6 years, DirectionlessGov.com shouldn't still be funny and relevant. He also runs the OpenTech Conference for techies and activists - you should come.

Summary of Sam's position: "Defining activism as "disturbing the present in service of the future", this is a brief look forward to the future consequences of a couple of example online campaigns in the UK. Consideration will focus around how some disturbances we're constructing may be a significant disservice to the future, and a brief consideration of the alternative paths some have taken to successful campaigning using the internet, and pictures of cats."