Mozilla Festival in Barcelona: Shaping a Tech Future for the Public
The annual event returns to Barcelona to challenge corporate control of the digital landscape.
Technological 'Wilding': A New Vision for the Industry
From October 28 to 30, Barcelona is hosting the Mozilla Festival. Organised by the Mozilla Foundation in partnership with the Barcelona City Council, this year’s event is centred around the theme of "Wilding"—a concept inspired by the free growth of nature. According to the organisers, this is a call to action to move the tech world away from the control of a few giant corporations and instead develop it through open, shared, and community-focused pathways.
Hosted at the former textile factory Recinte Fabra i Coats, the festival has brought together over 2,000 technology experts, artists, and activists. The programme features more than 200 sessions, workshops, and art installations, addressing social tensions caused by artificial intelligence and the development of digital tools based on principles of care and shared power.
Voices on Stage and the Core Message
Event director Zeina Abi Assy stated that the current technological system is often closed and extractive, and the Mozilla Festival exists as a direct counterpoint. This year’s speaker list includes Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah, UpScrolled founder Issam Hijazi, and Princeton University professor Ruha Benjamin. Discussions will be led by poet and comedian ALOK Vaid-Menon.
Special attention is being paid to cultural heritage and digital archives. For instance, a session by Sudanese music producer Khaled Alsedeg explores how to protect Sudanese musical traditions through digital archiving. Simultaneously, the "Wild Lots" installation demonstrates how urban data can be used to return abandoned city spaces to nature.
The Next Generation and Tech Governance
Nabiha Syed, Executive Director of the Mozilla Foundation, emphasises that the future of technology should not be a "monoculture" owned by a handful of companies. To reinforce this vision, the festival includes a dedicated youth programme. Teenagers aged 13 to 17 are using role-playing games to draft rules for artificial intelligence and online platforms, with a focus on protecting mental health.
Last year, the festival attracted nearly 2,200 participants from 79 countries. Under an agreement between Mozilla and Barcelona, the event is set to remain in the city until at least 2027. For Mozilla, this is more than just a critique of concentrated power in the tech sector; it is a practical platform for those looking to build alternative, public-interest digital tools.