Welcome to a new era...
DPS Computing remains as committed as ever to technology for good and social justice
A new dawn.
After much searching, we finally feel we have found a place to continue our campaigns for justice and our mission to ensure that technology is used responsibly and for the good of humanity.
1. Why this, why now
As you may know, last year, David’s campaign recognising the plight of subpostmasters affected by the Post Office Scandal and its beleaguered Horizon computer system went UK-wide, and eventually global, calling for the former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells to have her CBE removed following the airing of an ITV drama “Mr Bates vs the Post Office”. The plight of the subpostmasters caught global attention and positive steps were taken in their long running campaign for justice after being vilified for mysterious ‘shortfalls’ that apparently occurred whilst they were running Post Office branches. A public inquiry followed.
The DPS Computing YouTube channel had many faithful supporters but, in March 2024, was hit with restrictions without warning or reason, impeding the ability of us to use that platform effectively for our work leaving many people (including us) confused and looking for answers.
We have since tirelessly searched for a platform that can allow us, and has the capability, to support both our work and our community. We have tried to resolve these issues and failed, and tried again, and failed. We have tried new platforms, and these haven’t worked out. But we have never stopped trying.
Today we launch our Substack in the hope that this can provide us a welcoming new home to allow our community to gather and continue our vital work to ensure that technology is used ethically and responsibly and that those that are harmed are afforded the justice that they are entitled to and the right to have their voices heard.
2. Our community
Our community gathered to help provide a voice to those who, for too long, we’re not being provided with the adequate opportunity to be heard despite years of tireless campaigning.
During 2024, our community grew at a rapid pace. Then, the rug was pulled and it was harder to keep the community together as our central platform was being restricted.
We now hope to not only offer a new home for our existing community, but to continue to grow our community allowing it to go from strength to strength to ensure that technology leads to benefits to society and its people and, where it harms, these are rectified swiftly and appropriately.
3. Initial plan
Our initial plan is to post weekly regular posts.
Additionally, ‘bonus’ posts to stay up to date on key developments and offer insight into issues surrounding technology as well as technology wins and thoughts on the future as well as reflection on the past.
Free subscribers currently get access to all content. We want to see what works, and how to make it work, so these may necessitate changes as we adopt to community needs.
People have enquired about ways to support our work and Substack offers us paid options but, rest assured, in line with our mission, the free content that has always been available to all will remain free for all. Substack however offers us an opportunity, going forward, to offer additional premium content that we will look into based on the needs and desires of our community and our work.
Whilst we haven’t currently activated a paid subscription option, if this is something you are interested in you can ‘pledge’ to become a paid subscriber if and when this should be available to indicate your support for this option.
We will, of course, keep you fully updated on any changes.
4. The Future
What does the future hold? Who knows.
But one thing is certain - we will continue to campaign for the ethical and responsible use of technology that delivers benefits for us all and help those who require it when this is not the case in any way that we can.
5. Thanks… and Welcome
To any new subscribers/members of our community - Welcome.
To any current/prior members of our community - Welcome Back.
We showed last year that change is possible when we all work together and achieved great things. We can continue to do so. As I have said previously, the power is in the community and I look forward to continuing to working with you as we did so successfully in 2024.