The ninth edition of DESCON 9.0 took place from November 21–23, 2025, at the Miljenko Dereta venue in Belgrade, once again bringing together experts, activists, students, and technology enthusiasts from across the region. This year’s theme — “Trust and Power: AI is a Harsh Mistress” — focused on the complex relationship between society, information technologies, artificial intelligence, and the question of trust in the digital age.
Throughout the three-day program, participants had the opportunity to hear inspiring talks from experts in technology ethics, internet governance, geopolitics, open technologies, and cybersecurity. Speakers from Serbia and abroad reflected on the challenges posed by the rise of artificial intelligence, especially in the context of disinformation, privacy, energy consumption, and potential misuse. With a critical tone, the conference explored how AI can also foster innovation, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more responsible digital environment.
One of the highlights of the first day was the screening of the documentary “How to Build a Truth Engine”, followed by a conversation with the film’s director, Friedrich Moser. The discussion delved into global trends in disinformation and the role of modern technologies in both enabling and combating information manipulation. This segment offered a timely and deeply relevant perspective on the power of narrative in the age of artificial intelligence.
The second and third days of the conference were marked by the Klimerko Hackathon, an intensive 24-hour program dedicated to developing new versions of the Klimerko devices. Teams worked on enhancing the device’s design and functionality — from hardware improvements and new sensors to upgraded communication protocols, user interfaces, and energy efficiency. At the same time, a practical workshop allowed visitors to assemble their own Klimerko devices with the assistance of the organizers. This part of the program combined education, citizen science, and creativity, reaffirming DESCON as a place where the community actively builds solutions rather than merely discussing them.
The conference concluded with final hackathon presentations and the awarding of prizes to the most successful teams. The projects demonstrated a high level of expertise, innovation, and commitment, with a clear focus on creating open technologies that serve the public good.
DESCON 9.0 once again proved to be a unique regional event that blends technology, social engagement, creativity, and openness. Through talks, workshops, film screenings, hands-on activities, and informal networking, the conference offered a platform for knowledge exchange, meaningful dialogue, and the creation of new projects with the potential to benefit the wider community.
The organizers extend their gratitude to all partners and sponsors who supported DESCON 9.0, including the Austrian Cultural Forum, the Internet Society Belgrade Chapter, RIPE NCC, .ME registry, RNIDS, Hacklab, and the Serbian Open eXchange.
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