Wikimedia Georgia/Safety Guidelines For Participants

This page provides practical security recommendations for participants in Wikimedia Georgia events.

Purpose

The overarching goal of the guideline is to establish a proactive approach to safety, health, and inclusivity, ensuring all participants' well-being from arrival to departure. We recognize the diverse backgrounds of our attendees, encompassing different cultures, languages, beliefs, and needs.

Moreover, with the digital era upon us, the way we connect and share information has transformed dramatically. As such, digital safety and privacy are given paramount importance in these guidelines, ensuring the security of our participants in every dimension, physical and digital.

Recommendations

• Local Norms and Customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs, religious practices, and etiquette to show respect and avoid misunderstandings.
• Transportation: Use trusted transportation methods recommended by the organizers or well-reviewed ones.
• Update Software: Ensure all your devices are updated with the latest security patches.
• Password Protection: Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Consider a password manager.
• Back up all information regularly and store it in a secure offsite location.
• Immediately report all breaches/intrusions/denial of service/Ransomware attacks to the event organizers and law enforcement if considered a safe option.
• Your online identity needs to be protected. The following resources could help you to stay safe:
  • Doxxing: Tips To Protect Yourself Online & How to Minimize Harm by EFF
  • Learn about doxing for a more comprehensive self-doxing by the Tactical Tech Collective.
  • Remove personal data from the internet by CPJ.
• Encrypted Messaging: Use encrypted messaging apps for communication.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: If you must use it, make sure to connect through a VPN.
• Be cautious of emails or messages asking for personal information or payments related to the conference. Always verify with known conference organizers.

Best Practices During the Events

• Behaviour: Avoid public displays of excessive affection and respect personal boundaries.
• Cultural Awareness: Be aware of the local cultural nuances, religious practices, and etiquette.
• Be respectful and open in your interactions. Embrace diversity and different viewpoints.
• Don't interact with people if they don't want to.
• Consider the personal space of persons and respect it.

Conclusion

The Wikimedia Georgia events gather diverse minds, experiences, and cultures. Ensuring safety isn't merely a procedural necessity; it embodies our commitment to providing every attendee with a nurturing, respectful, and secure environment to learn, interact, and collaborate.

The responsibility of making the events truly successful lies with each of us. The guidelines presented aim to facilitate this endeavor, addressing every facet of safety and inclusion.