Hi everyone,
ACTION: Become one of the first founding members of new movement United Citizens www.crowdfunder.co.uk/united-citizens
Thanks again for signing the petition.
As an update, Facebook are appealing against the Cambridge Analytica fine, and Mark Zuckerberg is facing more calls to attend hearings about misinformation.
Yet there still has been no answer from the CEO of Facebook in response to our people's petition. That is why, behind the scenes, we have been working hard to figure out how we organise a new citizens’ response.
And today I can announce that we are launching a new global democratically-run membership organisation called United Citizens.
Here's press coverage in the International Business Times: "This public advocacy group plans to fight nationalism by building a global movement".
Our first mission is to empower you and fellow citizens to hold big tech companies to account.
The only way we can do this is through a crowdfunder. To be truly independent, we have to fund our own efforts. We have raised over £1,000 so far, and need to raise £40,000 or more.
ACTION: Become one of the first founding members of new movement United Citizens www.crowdfunder.co.uk/united-citizens
Already we've recruited our first 30 members, including Lord Clement-Jones who said: "Technology and social media platforms can't be left to be value neutral. We are in an ethical and regulatory race against time, but I am an optimist. That is why I'm joining United Citizens as a founding member. I urge you to join us too. It is time for us to come together to shape tech for good. If we do, we have a good chance of technology being trusted by the public and we can at the same time keep our democracy safe."
Another founding member Rosemarie, said: "Let us hope that together we can make a big difference. Let David tackle Goliath! All the best to one and all. We can do this!"
I hope you join United Citizens, and if you do, also consider running to be an elected representative of our new movement. Full details on why we're doing this and what you get as a member are available here.
We're counting on you - United Citizens will be stronger with you as a member. Join us now.
Let's do this.
Alvin Carpio (Chief Executive, The Fourth Group)