Thematic focus

1. Research and case studies on the methods and impacts of network shutdowns and isolation.
2. Technologies and prototypes for communicating with and within isolated networks, with particular interest in:
   • decentralized network protocols and communication tools
   • Web3 technologies that remain operable in isolated networks
   • Satellite, wireless, radio and power-line communication 
   • All practical mobile telecommunications standards and e-SIMS
   • Self-hosted communications services and secure hosting solutions
   • Peer-to-peer and device-to-device communications services
   • Traffic obfuscation and network hole punching
3. Policy and recommendations for preserving an open and interoperable Internet

Submission сathegories

1. Research papers

Research papers should explore new ideas, provide empirical data, or present theoretical contributions. We accept the following types of research submissions:

• Works in progress: Research or projects still under development. These submissions should demonstrate clear goals, hypotheses, and potential for future contributions, even if conclusive results are not yet available.
• Position papers: Opinion pieces or argumentative submissions that advocate for specific viewpoints or propose innovative solutions. Position papers should be provocative, well-reasoned, and designed to stimulate discussion and debate.
• Policy papers: Submissions that focus on policy issues, offering detailed analysis and recommendations. These papers should engage with current debates on Internet governance, socio-technical challenges, or digital sovereignty, and propose actionable policy solutions.

2. Technology Showcase

Interactive sessions that demonstrate working technologies or prototypes. These should showcase innovative solutions related to the conference themes and allow participants to engage directly with the technology. 

3. Testimonies and Case Studies

We encourage submissions that highlight real-world experiences, particularly from regions or communities impacted by digital isolation or network shutdowns:

• Testimonies from Countries Affected by Network Shutdowns and Isolation:
  First-hand accounts or case studies from individuals, organizations, or communities impacted by network shutdowns or digital isolation. These submissions should offer valuable on-the-ground perspectives that highlight the human, political, or technical dimensions of these crises.
• Awareness-Raising and Capacity-Building Workshops:
  Practical workshops aimed at building skills or raising awareness around the conference’s core themes. Workshops should offer clear learning outcomes and be designed to increase participants’ understanding or capabilities in relevant areas.

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Submission guidelines

General requirements

• Word count: between 1000-3000 words
• Presentation length: No more than 20 slides
• Originality: Submissions must present original work that has not been previously published or presented.

Format

When submitting your presentation, please indicate the format in which you plan to present:

• Lightning Talks (10 minutes):
  Short, focused presentations that provide key insights or findings in a concise format. Ideal for sharing emerging ideas, theories, or initial results.
• Full Presentations (30 minutes):
  More detailed explorations of research, case studies, or technologies. These presentations should provide deeper analysis and more comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
• Technology Showcase (30-60 minutes):
  Hands-on, interactive demonstrations of innovative technologies or prototypes. These sessions are held throughout the 3rd conference day and are designed to allow participants to engage directly with the technology in an open marketplace format.

Due dates

Submission deadline: November 10, 2024
Author notification: November 18, 2024
Final papers due: November 29, 2024

Application process

Ensure that your submission aligns with one of the categories listed above and fits within the thematic focus of the conference. Submissions will be evaluated based on relevance, originality, technical quality, and potential social or technical impact by the Advisory Council. 

We look forward to receiving your applications and working together to address the challenges of Internet fragmentation!

The CFP window has closed. Please the Contact page should you have any questions. See you soon in Berlin!

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