#fwsDay
Why #FreeWebSearch?
The internet was meant to be free. Yet, it no longer is. Instead, few commercial players have control on what we find when we search the internet. The algorithms and technology behind the leading search indexes and search engines are kept a secret. This lack of tranparency can result in and reinforce bias, discrimination or racism.
An open web search index, on the other hand, will make web search more transparent, promote market diversity, reduce the influence of self-interested actors and strengthen the common good. It will also be crucial for the development of generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) that operate on transparency and European values.
On 29 September, people and organisations are joining forces in activities to restore internet search to what it should be: diverse, open and transparent.
What is #FreeWebSearch Day?
Every year on and around 29 September, #FreeWebSearch Day invites scientists, IT developers, educators, communicators, entrepreneurs, philosophers, artists and their organisations to develop their own activities. Lectures, hackathons, exhibitions, lab visits, participatory events, panel discussions, interviews and much more will take place in many places and online.
The goal: to inform about internet search. To make people think about how important web search is today for us personally and for our society. And to show how we can search better, safer, more trustworthy on the internet.
Who is behind #FreeWebSearch?
#FreeWebSearch is an initiative of the Open Search Foundation (OSF). The non-profit organisation advocates for an open, more diverse and fair internet search. The goal: diverse, independent and free ways to find your way around the internet. To this end, OSF has joined forces with partners from all over Europe, for example in the EU project OpenWebSearch.eu. Together they are working on an open web index as the basis for search engines and many new applications, such as large language models like GPT-4, Bard, Luminous or Dolly, and generative AI.
Who can register actions?
Basically anyone and everyone! Schools, universities, companies, data centres, search engines, schools, kindergartens, retirement homes, scientists, IT developers, educators, communicators, entrepreneurs, philosophers, artists …
Think about activities and events (you can find ideas here), register them and off you go!
You already have an idea and want to get active yourself? That’s great! Register at aktion@freewebsearch.org.
When is #FreeWebSearchDay?
#FreeWebSearchDay is on 29 September. Activities for #FreeWebSearchDay can take place on 29 September and the following week, until 6 October 2023.
