Decoding the Digital World: The Why and What of the Dark Web

Are you wondering if (or when) intelligent machines will take over your job? Would you like to know whether the hype around AI is really justified? Are you mystified by the dark web? Have you had problems with hacked email, bank or social media accounts? There are many good reasons to learn how IT really works.

The only question is where to start: Despite the recent addition of computing to school curricula, programmers and computer scientists are still a minority in modern society. The vast majority of us are mere “digital literates” whose competence does not extend far beyond the use of social media, office software, browsers, chatbots, streaming services and similar IT applications. In other words, while almost everybody has at least rudimentary IT skills, only a small number of people has in-depth IT knowledge. This rift between IT professionals and amateur IT users is one of the defining features of the digital age. Without foundations in advanced mathematics and coding, it seems, there simply is no point in trying to figure out how trendy tech like AI actually works.

Decoding the Digital World aims to prove that everyone can gain a deeper understanding of IT. The three masterclasses successively explain the basics of machine learning, the internet, and the tactics of cyber attackers. Attendees need no programming experience and not more than primary school maths.

Starting point of this masterclass is a closer look at the internet infrastructure enabling the transmission of messages over large distances. Participants will find out what happens step by step when they access a website and what type of digital footprints they leave with their online activities. From there, the focus shifts to common measures to maintain privacy and anonymity, including the notorious “dark web” ­­– a haven for dissidents and marginalised groups, but also a platform for criminals and hate speech.

• Everyday IT users who want an easy introduction into how their tech actually works
• Everyday IT users who want to improve their security awareness
• Business managers and other decision-makers seeking to understand the implications and dangers of AI for their organisation

Our masterclass are made up of 3 sessions run over 3 months. While you can attend them individually, we recommend coming to them all for the best experience.

1. A Beginner’s Guide to AI and Deep Learning (Mon 16 Sep 18:00)
2. The Why and What of the Dark Web (Mon 14 Oct 18:00)
3. Identity Theft Unpacked (Mon 11 Nov 18:00)

Dr Stefan Deissler is a published scientific author and a former university lecturer. For the past nine years, he has been editing and translating academic and other specialist publications on tech and cybersecurity. He has found: innovations like deep learning or quantum computing are less intimidating once you know more about them. And if AI is taking over the world, the least we can do is find out how it ticks.

SPACE4 is part of Outlandish, a tech worker-cooperative committed to creating social and economic change. Through SPACE4, we activate our local community, small business, and social movements through affordable space, training, and networking events.

This workshop is part of an ongoing programme of masterclasses to upskill our network and community in Islington and beyond.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch or visit us.

The £5 charge on this event is a deposit that will be refunded if you attend. The reason behind this is to assure bums on the seats as we spend a lot of time prepping for these events and workshops. If you’re unable to pay contact [email protected] for free registration.

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