Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi 2025 – Between confidentiality and media hunt

In Georgia's booming tech scene, the Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi (GTWT) is supposed to be a flagship event: decentralized, internationally connected, with 150 speakers and iconic venues. But barely 24 hours after a draconian "No Political Content" letter was sent to all speakers (see below), it becomes clear that a disturbing reality lurks behind the glittering LED stages: If you talk, you're fired.

At the same time, 23 international media freedom organizations issued a warning: As a result of new repressive laws, Georgia's independent press is "only months away from extinction." At this point, the speaker ban at a tech conference is intertwined with the widespread erosion of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in the country – and the event's sponsors must ask themselves whether they are currently funding the stage set for a dress rehearsal for censorship.

The Speaker Policy: Silence for Progress?

“Speakers are strictly prohibited from discussing or promoting any political content…” – GTWT Speaker Policy, June 2025

The document prohibits:

• Mention of political parties, movements or government representatives

• Discussion of geopolitical conflicts

• Expression of national or international political opinions

Violations will result in the immediate termination of the presentation and lifetime ban . In other words: At a tech conference in a country whose digital community has been protesting against autocracy and the "FARA clone" for months, any social contextualization is to be prevented. Ironically, the organizer simultaneously professes to offer "unforgettable cultural experiences." Apparently, that includes keeping one's mouth shut during cultural exchange.

New laws, old recipes: How Tbilisi silences the press

On June 17, 2025, an alliance of 23 international organizations , including IPI, RSF, CPJ and EFJ, published a grim report:

• The ruling “Georgian Dream” is consolidating its authoritarian project.

• Journalists are increasingly being arrested, beaten or given ruinous fines .

• The Foreign Influence Act, passed in May (deceptively sold as a copy of FARA), requires media outlets and NGOs to obtain government approval before receiving any foreign funding. Even free training courses could be considered a criminal offense.

• The arrest of Batumelebi/Netgazeti founder Mzia Amaghlobeli is considered by observers to be a textbook example of politically motivated repression.

“Independent media in Georgia may have only a few months left before they are forced to close.” – Joint statement of the 23 organizations

Sponsors in the twilight: From UN Women to Borjomi

category	Partners (selection)
Banks & FinTech	TBC , Paysera Bank , BitNest
Media & Marketing	Forbes Georgia , Marketer.ge , Entrepreneur
International & NGO	UN Women Georgia
Hospitality & Lifestyle	Adjara Group , Fabrika , Tbilisi Hills
Retail & Tech	Zoommer , Kraken , LAB Technologies

Everyone benefits from the image of a progressive Georgia – but with every minute of silence on stage, the question comes closer: Are these brands actually financing the sound-optimized soundtrack of state censorship?

The connection: confidentiality + media law = perfect match

• Conference silence clause: Prevents critical debate within an international tech community.

• FARA clone & accompanying legislation: Allows legal prosecution of media workers outside the conference.

Together, this creates an ecosystem in which it's very comfortable to celebrate disruptive technologies, as long as they don't disrupt the political operating system. In Tbilisi 2025, innovation apparently means: Coding Yes, Conscience No.

When tech loses its voice

The GTWT 2025 exemplifies how easily "innovation" can be instrumentalized as a showcase for authoritarian narratives. While startups pitch and attract investors, press freedom is teetering on the brink. Whether sponsors act or continue posting selfies in front of LED screens will determine whether this weekend is remembered as a festival of progress or a lesson in self-censorship.