An Evening with Edward Snowden on Security, Public Life and Research

Via livestream, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden discusses research security and the social impacts of cyber surveillance.

When: Tuesday, March 27th, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Live streamed in two physical locations:
  • University of Alberta North Campus (Edmonton): Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science CCIS 1-430 & 1-440 (overflow room). ***Tickets at North Campus are now sold out***
  • Augustana Campus (Camrose): Lougheed Performing Arts Centre

This event is free to attend and open to the public, but a ticket is required. Please RSVP using the green buttons below! If you're attending the North Campus location, bring your Eventbrite ticket(s) with you either as a printout or on your mobile. For the Augustana location, you will need to print your ticket and bring it with you (a mobile version will not be accepted).

Join the conversation by using #SnowdenUAlberta

Hosted by the Office of the Provost & Vice-President (Academic) - Information Services and Technology, the Kule Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS), and the Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life with support from the Faculty of Arts and Augustana Campus.

RSVP Augustana Location North Campus Location - SOLD OUT

Affiliated events on Cybersecurity, Research and Big Data

On Wednesday, March 28th, join us for a day full of privacy and security talks by UAlberta experts dedicated to uncovering how the internet and big data impacts the security--or insecurity--of our personal, research and health information, and its implications for doing research in a connected world.

Reflections on Edward Snowden's Talk at the University of Alberta - A Roundtable Panel Response
When: March 28th, 9:00am - 10:30am
Where: ECHA 1-190

Join us for an interdisciplinary roundtable discussion with big data, privacy, law, and international relations experts! Chaired by Randy Goebel (Professor, Computing Science, and Associate VP Research & Academic), our panelists will reflect on Edward Snowden's March 27th talk at the University of Alberta and share critical perspectives on the technological landscape and social impacts of our data-driven and networked world.

RSVP - UofA Reflections on Snowden Talk


Responding to Snowden: The Religious Self in Light of Technology & Public Policy

When: March 28th, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Where: Mayer Family Hall, Lougheed Performing Arts Centre (Augustana Campus)

Join us for a dialogue in which panelists will respond to Edward Snowden's March 27th live stream talk, discussing issues surrounding tech culture and the question of what is (or should be) public, and what private. This talk will focus on the implications of these matters for religious communities and persons in contemporary society.

No need to RSVP. Just show up! This event is free to attend & open to the public.

Internet of everyThing
When: March 28th, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Where: ECHA 1-182

***This workshop is restricted to UAlberta employees and students.***

The world today has become incredibly connected and 'Smart' technology is everywhere. It's in our TV's, in our cars, in our kids' toys and is even present during some of our most intimate moments. We'll talk about common items around your house that may be connected to the internet and we'll take a look at some unique and interesting uses for this connectivity and discuss the impact the Internet of Things has on our personal privacy and day-to-day lives.

Note: This presentation contains mature subject matter.

Internet of everyThing - SOLD OUT


Staying Invisible: How to Anonymize Yourself Online - Part 1

When: March 28th, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Where: ECHA 1-190

Note: This workshop is restricted to UAlberta employees and students.

In today's world personal data is all to readily available and tracked online. Details from your browsing sessions are used to create targeted ads and can be used by hackers to steal passwords and banking information. Join us for a demonstration where we'll review tools you can use to anonymize and protect personal details online. In this session we'll review privacy basics such as device encryption, how to create secure passwords, and a privacy self-assessment.

Staying Invisible Pt.1. - SOLD OUT


Staying Invisible - How to Anonymize Yourself Online Part 2

When: March 28th, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Where: ECHA L1-220

Note: This workshop is restricted to UAlberta employees and students

In part 2 of the Staying Invisible workshop we'll provide a demo on when a VPN is used and how to use the University VPN on mobile and desktop devices.

RSVP - Staying Invisible Pt.2.


Staying Invisible: Device Encryption Workshop - Augustana Campus

When: March 28th, 10:00 - 11:00am
Where: Roger Epp Room (Augustana Campus)

Note: This workshop is restricted to UAlberta employees and students.

Anonomyze and protect your personal details online by taking part in a hands-on workshop. Participants will learn how to encrypt their devices using the University of Alberta's Virtual Privacy Network (VPN). Please bring a device (work or personal) that you would like the VPN installed on (note: we can only offer limited support on personal devices). Light refreshments will be provided.

Please register with Diane at augcrc@ualberta.ca.

Fitness Trackers & Genetic Testing: Why Your Health Information Isn't So Private
When: March 28th, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Where: ECHA 2-420

Note: This workshop is restricted to UAlberta employees and students.

Your weight. Your sleep quality. Your heart rate. You may not perceive these personal details as important on their own; however, when aggregated and viewed in the right context these details may disclose a significant amount of information. More and more businesses are collecting health information that may ultimately be accessed with or without your consent by third parties. Join us for the opportunity to hear from a panel of healthcare and privacy experts about the rise of fitness trackers and genetic testing services, why healthcare information is coveted by hackers and what the risk is in having your personal health information fall into the wrong hands.

Fitness Trackers & Genetic Testing - SOLD OUT


Risky Research: Protecting Yourself from Online Harassment

When: March 28th, 2:30 - 4:00pm
Where: ECHA 2-420

Note: This event is restricted to UAlberta employees and students.

Cyber-bullying and online shaming have become commonplace in our increasingly online and connected world. We as researchers are not immune from such threats, yet it can feel overwhelming to keep up with the various ways one can be targeted online and the best practices to stay safe. Join us for this panel discussion to learn about how online harassment can affect a researcher's life and some of the practical strategies and campus resources that are available if you need help protecting yourself.

RSVP - Risky Research
Edward Snowden headshot

Edward Snowden (Photo credit: Laura Poitras/ACLU)