Free Yourself from Big Tech

A practical workshop for taking back control of your digital life, followed by a reception Big tech knows what you search, who you know, and what you buy. And increasingly, AI companies know what you ask, write, and create. But how much personal information must we give up? You can make your own choices about what you use, what you share, and what technologies you rely on. This hands-on workshop led by Prashast Thapan explores practical alternatives to some of the biggest technology platforms and services we use every day. We’ll look at open-source tools, such as local AI models, that can run directly on your own computer without connecting to the cloud, alternative search and communication platforms, and simple ways to keep more of your data under your control. We will also explore how to use it responsibly and discuss personal strategies for when and when not to use AI. Participants will experiment with running an AI model locally and will come away with a practical guide to tools they can try at home. No coding experience is required. Bringing a laptop is optional. Participants who want to run the local AI tools themselves should bring a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM; 16GB is recommended. Free with RSVP. Register here Guest Speaker: Prashast Thapan is an artist, game designer, and entrepreneur from New Delhi, India– currently based in New York City. He is the founder of Pariah Interactive, an award-winning independent game studio. His collaborations have showcased at the MoMA New York, Tribeca Film Festival, and more.