Can democracy survive secrecy?
What is the future of the First Amendment in a surveillance society?
These questions will be the focus of a rare and provocative public discussion at the Davis Levin First Amendment Conference (“Conference”) happening Saturday, February 14th, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hawai‘i Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
Edward Snowden’s release of documents detailing massive government surveillance sparked a raging global debate which continues to this day. Choosing not remain anonymous, Snowden traded home and career for a life in exile, fleeing the U.S., and eventually taking residence in Russia.
A high-level intelligence analyst based in Hawai‘i, in 2013, Snowden provided documents to the press proving the existence (previously shrouded by government as highly sensitive state secrets) of multiple NSA programs that even today collect and use data on ordinary Americans on an extraordinary scale.
The program will also feature Snowden’s attorney and Director of the national ACLU Speech, Privacy and Technology Project, Ben Wizner. Speakers will share their views on whistleblowing, balancing government secrecy in wartime against the public’s right to know, and the possible futures facing free speech in America. Moderated by Aviam Soifer, Dean of the University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law.
A screening of the Oscar™ nominated film "Citizenfour" will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the conversation from noon to 1:30 p.m.
This event is planned to be simulcast LIVE on ‘Ōlelo Community Television, Akakū Maui Community Media, and other participating community media stations statewide.
SPACE LIMITED. RSVP by 2/10/15: http://acluhi.org/sat-21415-the-davis-levin-first-amendment-conference-featuring-edward-snowden/