Hacktivism
Definition
1.
" There are various definitions of the term 'hacktivism'. For those whose interests rest primarily with computers hacktivism is the promotion of computer hacking (hacker + activism). For those who approach computing from the social perspective it actually has more relevance as the use of computers and technology for hi-tech campaigning for social change (hi-tech + activism). The argument between hacker groups who have different opinions on the use of computers for political or social objectives has become key to the re-interpretation of the role of modern technology within the emerging 'information society'." (http://www.internetrights.org.uk/glossary.shtml)
2.
"Hacktivism is the fusion of hacking and activism; politics and technology. More specifically, hacktivism is described as hacking for a political cause. In this context, the term hacker is used in reference to its original meaning. As defined in the New Hacker's Dictionary, a hacker is "a person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities" and one who is capable of "creatively overcoming or circumventing limitations". (http://www.thehacktivist.com/hacktivism.php)
Discussion
From What is Hacktivism, a paper by Metac0m, 2003:
"Hacktivism is the fusion of hacking and activism; politics and technology. More specifically, hacktivism is described as hacking for a political cause. In this context, the term hacker is used in reference to its original meaning. As defined in the New Hacker's Dictionary, a hacker is "a person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities" and one who is capable of "creatively overcoming or circumventing limitations".
(1) Activism is defined as "a policy of taking direct and militant action to achieve a political or social goal".
(2) Therefore, a clinical definition of hacktivism is: Hacktivism: a policy of hacking, phreaking or creating technology to achieve a political or social goal.
However, both hacking and activism, and thus hacktivism, are loaded words ripe for a variety of interpretation.
Therefore it is preferable not to clinically define hacktivism but rather to describe the spirit of hacktivism. Hacktivism is root. It is the use of one's collective or individual ingenuity to circumvent limitations, to hack clever solutions to complex problems using computer and Internet technology. Hacktivism is a continually evolving and open process; its tactics and methodology are not static. In this sense no one owns hacktivism - it has no prophet, no gospel and no canonized literature." (http://www.thehacktivist.com/whatishacktivism.pdf)
More Information
- This article is an extensive examination of 'Hacktivism', at http://www.thehacktivist.com/hacktivism.php
- The Wikipedia entry, at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacktivism describes the controversies surrounding the term and its associated practices.
- What is Hacktivism?, http://www.thehacktivist.com/whatishacktivism.pdf