Join Austin Bitcoin Club and the Human Rights Foundation for an evening exploring the intersection of AI and freedom technology during SXSW.
AI is reshaping how software gets built, and that includes the tools defending human rights around the world. But the same technology powering open-source development is also fueling surveillance states.
So where do we go from here?
We’ll hear from HRF on AI-powered surveillance in authoritarian regimes, then dive into a panel with Justin Moon, Mark Suman, and Lyle Pratt on how AI is accelerating development on Bitcoin and NOSTR, the privacy trade-offs builders should be aware of, and how “vibe coding” is lowering the barrier for anyone to contribute to freedom tech.
No deep technical background required, just curiosity about where AI and freedom intersect.
### Agenda
5:00 PM — Doors Open & attendees arrive, grab food from Johnny’s BBQ, and connect.
6:15 PM — Welcome & Opening Remarks
6:30 PM — AI Surveillance & the Case for Freedom Tech
6:40 PM — Panel: Vibe Coding for Freedom
7:00 PM — Audience Q&A
7:10 PM — Closing Remarks
7:15 PM — Open Networking
If this is your first time at one of our meetups, welcome to the bitcoin capital of the world. We have a few guidelines to keep the event running smoothly:
- our meetups focus solely on Bitcoin. We do not welcome discussions about Web3 or any other “crypto” projects at our events. If you are interested in crypto discussions there are a number of other meetups to join.
- please no photos. We respect the privacy of our community.
- please give your attention to the presenters during the seminar and keep side conversations to zero. We are in a pre-QE building, which means we are surrounded by concrete and little insulation; even a whisper can become a distraction to other guests and those presenting. There will be time to converse and network before and after the seminar.
- please pick up after yourself. While we enjoy offering free beverages and snacks to our guests, we do not have a cleaning staff to clean up empty cans, bottles, plates, snacks, etc. Please help us keep the Commons clean by disposing of trash in one of the trash bins.
- parking: Street parking or the paid garage across from our building on East 6th (515 Congress)
🗓 Monday, March 16, 2026
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT
📍 Bitcoin Park Austin
601 Congress Avenue, Suite 250 · Austin, TX
✨ Bitcoin Park Austin is a dedicated hub for the Bitcoin community in Texas, built to support builders, thinkers, developers, and plebs who are focused on the future of Bitcoin and open-source innovation.