As the fractures of the internet deepen, SplinterCon emerges as a hub for those dedicated to building its resilient future. On February 24, 2025, we’re convening at RightsCon in Taipei to explore the dynamics of a fragmented digital landscape and push the boundaries of what’s possible in decentralized connectivity.
Taiwan stands at the crossroads of geopolitical tensions and technological innovation. Its unique position—with a commitment to open government and open-source implementation, alongside its proximity to some of the most restrictive digital regimes—makes it an ideal space to explore the tension between digital sovereignty, resilience, and global interoperability.
By bringing together technologists, policy advocates, and activists, SplinterCon offers sessions that reimagine a resilient, open internet. Expect four hours of intensive programming, including lightning talks, keynotes, panel discussions, and live tool demonstrations covering:
- Resilient Systems: A deep dive into decentralised protocols, peer-to-peer networks, and satellite-enabled communication with and within isolated networks.
- Geopolitical Dynamics: Case studies from Taiwan, Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Latin America and more on countering state-controlled infrastructures and fostering open access.
- Interoperable Futures: How we can balance the rise of sovereign digital ecosystems with the imperative of open, global standards to ensure a collaborative internet.
Participation
This edition of SplinterCon is a Satellite Event of RightsCon — the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age. To participate, you’ll need a RightsCon ticket. Upon registering for SplinterCon, you’ll receive a 25% discount code for your RightsCon ticket purchase.
📅 Date: February 24, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Taipei Time)
📍 Location: Room 101B, Taipei International Convention Center (TICC)
Registration closes on February 23, 2025, at 23:59 (Taiwan Time).
Note: SplinterCon is available exclusively for RightsCon ticket holders. You can purchase ticket here, with a 25% discount: https://www.rightscon.org/checkout/
Conference Program
10:00
Opening Remarks
Dmitri Vitaliev (Founding Director, eQualitie) – Welcome to the Splinternet
10:15 – 11:15
Infrastructure, Policy, and the Geopolitics of Internet Fragmentation
Wu Kuo-Wei (Board Member, TWIGF, ex-ICANN) – Taiwanese Internet Governance from the Infrastructure Perspective
Alena Epifanova (German Council on Foreign Relations) – Europe’s Third Way for the Digital Future
Moderated by Mallory Knodel (Social Web Foundation)
11:30-12:30
Mapping the Splinternets: Data & Measurement Approaches
Marwan Fayed (Head of Research, CloudFlare) – Transparency as a Tool: A View of Internet Health and Resilience
Elizaveta Yachmeneva (Head of Community, OONI) – Community-Sourced Data in Understanding Internet Infrastructure
Moderated by Lai Yi Ohlsen (Director, M-Lab)
12:45 – 13:45
Beyond VPNs: Encrypted Protocols & Proxyless Strategies
Mallory Knodel (Social Web Foundation) & Vinicius Fortuna (Team Lead, google Jigsaw) – The Future of VPN is No VPN
Hammer (Founder and Director, Project Ainita) – Lessons from the Frontline: Adapting to Iran’s Evolving Censorship Tactics
Moderated by Dmitri Vitaliev (Founding Director, eQualitie)
14:00 – 15:00
Building Resilient Networks: Mesh & P2P Solutions
Sean (Research Fellow, TWC Mesh)– Meshtastic in Taiwan: The Intersection of Technology and Community
Dmitri Vitaliev (Founding Director, eQualitie) – Ouisuite: A Decentralized Approach to Secure Communications
Moderated by Miaoski (Open Culture Foundation)
SplinterCon Booth & Blockathon
Throughout RightsCon, visit the SplinterCon Booth to explore eQualitie’s shutdown-resilient tools and technologies developed by our partners. The booth will also host the Blockathon, an interactive, capture-the-flag-style competition designed to simulate censorship and shutdown scenarios. Participants can test their strategies, gain hands-on experience, and compete for prizes.
📅 Dates: February 25 – 27, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Taipei Time)
📍 Location: Community Village, Floor 2 or 3, Taipei International Convention Center
Social Event
Join us for an evening co-hosted by the Association for Progressive Communication (APC) and the Open Culture Foundation (OCF). Hosted outside of main RightsCon venue, this gathering offers an opportunity to explore the vibrant cultural scene of Taipei and connect with community of Taiwanese technologists.
📅 Dates: February 26, 2025
📍Location: Details will be shared via email with registered participants.
