I had the privilege of discussing my work on digital touch and consent during The Hmm event on 19 April at the Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam Noord. It was truly delightful to connect with fellow speakers and delve into the theme of non-visual internet culture that shaped this edition. While many speakers focused on audio-based content creation online, I was glad to contribute by addressing the realm of haptics.

In the realm of touch-based technology, the significance of consent and trust cannot be overstated. Touch holds a pivotal role in our interpersonal interactions. The ethical dimensions of consent, safety, agency, and trust are fundamental to the touch experience. With the rapid advancements in technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence, it has become imperative to initiate a discourse on the ethics surrounding digital social and affective touch interactions.

My ongoing projects and research, such as the Consent Pods, seek to explore the social and ethical implications of consent within both digital and physical interactions.

European Digital Rights (EDRi) recently marked their 20th anniversary, commemorating two decades of relentless advocacy for digital rights protection across the continent. Despite the unprecedented pace of technological advancement and the challenges that came with it, EDRi remained steadfast in their commitment to championing people’s rights, privacy, and safety by leading a powerful network of dedicated individuals and groups who advocate for a fair digital environment.

Over the years, EDRi has collaborated with technologists, lawyers, human rights defenders, and activists to create a robust digital rights movement in Europe. Their efforts have taken various forms, from petitions and campaigns to inspiring thought-provoking works of art that amplify their cause. Art has been a crucial component of EDRi’s work, serving as a medium of expression, translation, and inspiration to move people towards their mission.

EDRi’s recent 20th anniversary event showcased a collection of dynamic works of art that explore the implications of digital transformation, rebellions against surveillance, the inner workings of AI systems, and paradigm shifts. These curated works of art serve as a testament to EDRi’s legacy and vision for the future, inspiring and intriguing anyone who experiences them.

As an enthusiastic participant in EDRi’s 20th-anniversary event, I am thrilled to support their efforts through my projects and be included in this curated event – kindda fan girling to see my work next to the Anatomy of an AI by Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler. I look forward to contributing more to their advocacy and initiatives, particularly through myFACE project, and I am open to further collaborations in public spaces that will advance the cause of digital rights protection in Europe.

Can’t believe it, my one-minute video ‘Playful Fingers’ won the experimental category of The One Minutes competition in China! Thank you so much and thanks Martin Draax for the soundtrack!!! And LNDW studio for shooting this. This was such a fun process, I still remember crawling under The Finger Rub Rug and making it move. This video is part of a series of four that I used to promote my upcoming exhibition in 2020.

And so funny to see myself on Chinese TV. I wonder what the lovely presenter and jury member are saying. I hope to get it translated soon.