OpenMedia Brings Digital Literacy Exhibition to British Columbia Communities

In response to growing concerns about democracy and digital misinformation, OpenMedia has begun touring Tactical Tech’s acclaimed “Glass Room” exhibit throughout British Columbia. The exhibition, which launched in December 2025, aims to educate communities about the impacts of misinformation and data mining in Canada and beyond.

The Glass Room offers visitors an interactive exploration of the often hidden aspects of our digital lives—revealing how technology shapes public opinion, examining methods of data collection and usage, and demonstrating the mechanics of misinformation spread. The exhibit provides practical tools for recognizing misleading information while offering actionable strategies for protecting digital privacy.

Already featured in 71 cities worldwide including major centers like Berlin, London, San Francisco, New York, and Toronto, the exhibition is now making its way through Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, starting with its successful debut at the New Westminster Central Library.

During its December run in New Westminster, more than 200 middle and high school students engaged with the multimedia installation. The exhibit also attracted numerous adult visitors and hosted a well-attended panel discussion on digital literacy.

“The timing couldn’t be more critical, with misinformation infiltrating nearly all communication platforms,” said Krusheska Quiros, OpenMedia’s Operations Director, who moderated the exhibition’s first “Misinformation Moment” discussion panel. The panel brought together diverse expertise from Kristen Gilbert of OPTIONS for Sexual Health, former New Westminster MP Peter Julian, and Peter Musser from the Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education.

The panel addressed fundamental questions about misinformation, including common misconceptions, the impact on various professions, the influence of algorithms on online content consumption, and the role of artificial intelligence in creating and spreading false information.

Discussions also explored the importance of media literacy education and introduced the concept of “parasocial literacy”—teaching young people to critically evaluate claims made by social media influencers, recognize sponsorships, and assess credibility. This emerging educational approach was highlighted as an important tool for reducing misinformation’s spread.

Panelists and attendees examined potential solutions at institutional and individual levels, debating actions educational facilities, libraries, and government bodies might take to protect the public and rebuild trust in information systems. The conversation concluded with practical advice for individuals seeking to protect themselves from harmful information and avoid inadvertently sharing misinformation.

The Glass Room’s innovative format combines infographics, interactive applications, and videos to create an accessible learning environment for visitors of all ages. Its multimedia approach helps demystify complex digital concepts while encouraging critical thinking about online information consumption.

Following its successful New Westminster showing, the exhibit will continue its provincial tour with a July-August installation at the Clayton library branch in Surrey. Vancouver residents will have access to the exhibition in September, followed by a North Vancouver showing in October.

The BC tour represents part of OpenMedia’s broader mission to promote digital rights and literacy across Canada. As a non-partisan, non-profit organization focused on keeping the internet open, affordable, and surveillance-free, OpenMedia views initiatives like the Glass Room as essential tools for empowering citizens in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Those interested in attending future showings can sign up for OpenMedia’s newsletter to receive updates on upcoming exhibitions and related events throughout British Columbia.

With digital misinformation increasingly recognized as a threat to democratic processes and social cohesion, educational initiatives like the Glass Room offer communities valuable resources for navigating today’s information environment with greater awareness and discernment.