Learn Email Self-Defense--Hands-On GPG 26 Workshop

2026-08-03T18:06:50Z

Heshan:

= Learn Email Self-Defense: Hands-On GPG with GNU/Linux workshop =

== Abstract ==

This is a hands-on workshop where participants learn to use GPG for email encryption, facilitated by the [http://www.fsf.org Free Software Foundation] (FSF). Participants will help improve the [https://emailselfdefense.fsf.org/en/ FSF Email Self-Defense guide] through real-time feedback. By the end of the workshop, you will not only be able to send encrypted email to friends and family, but also help teach others the skills of email self-defense and protecting yourself from bulk surveillance.

== Day / Time / Location ==

Day 1, Friday, 14-August-2026, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
Workshop B (Sutton Place, third floor)

== Full Description ==

This workshop teaches a basic surveillance self-defense skill: email encryption. Participants will learn how to use free software to send and receive email that is scrambled so that anyone intercepting your message without your permission cannot read its contents.

Using GNU/Linux systems and Icedove (the freedom-respecting version of Thunderbird), attendees will create a keypair, choose a strong passphrase, configure GPG, exchange public keys, and send encrypted and signed email. Even if you have nothing to hide, using encryption helps protect the privacy of the people you communicate with and makes life more difficult for mass surveillance systems such as those operated by governments and large email providers.

This workshop follows the structure of the [http://www.fsf.org Free Software Foundation (FSF)] [https://emailselfdefense.fsf.org/en/ Email Self-Defense guide] and will be facilitated directly by FSF staff. The curriculum is designed for beginners and presented entirely with free software. In addition to learning these tools, participants will help improve the Email Self-Defense guide itself by providing feedback on clarity, usability, and compatibility with various operating system versions.

== Registration -- NOT required ==

'''NOTE: You do NOT need to register to take this workshop -- please show up early to ensure a seat at the WORKSHOP B room (in Sutton Place, on the third floor).''' 

== Presenter(s) ==

Heshan de Silva-Weeramuni 
Greg Farough

== Materials ==

Any materials needed to participate in this workshop will be available at-cost. 
Observers are welcome at no cost. 
'''To do the hands-on portion for this workshop: 
'''Materials Cost: none''' 

== Required Software / What to bring ==

[example: Bring laptop, if you can, with Arduino software installed.]

== Links ==

[put helpful links here]

HOPE Wiki - User contributions [en]

Learn Email Self-Defense--Hands-On GPG 26 Workshop