Hacktivism: How this modern-day crusade could reform politics and society

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• February 3, 2022

Insight summary

Hacktivism, the fusion of hacking and activism, has significantly shaped international politics and societal norms, with its influence particularly noticeable over the past decade. Originating in the late 1980s, hacktivism has evolved from a tool for highlighting specific issues to a means of influencing global politics and societal change, with diverse motivations behind each action. As digital literacy increases, the influence of hacktivism is expected to grow, potentially leading to a more informed public, shifts in economic power, and increased transparency in corporate sustainability practices.

Hacktivism context

Hacktivism has had a profound impact on international politics and societal norms. This phenomenon is not as recent as one might think, but its influence has been increasingly felt, particularly in the last decade. Hacktivism is a form of non-violent, digital activism that seeks to effect change in society. It has led to the formation of numerous hacktivist groups across the globe, particularly during the 2010s, which have used their skills to highlight issues, expose information, and challenge established systems.

The roots of hacktivism can be traced back to 1989, a time when the internet was still in its infancy. During this period, a worm known as WANK (Worms Against Nuclear Killers) infiltrated OpenVMS machines worldwide. These machines were connected to the US Department of Energy (DOE), the High-Energy Physics Network (HEPNet), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The worm was an anti-nuclear protest, demonstrating the potential of hacktivism as a tool for political and social change. 

In the years since, hacktivism has undergone significant evolution. It has shifted from being a tool for highlighting specific issues to a means of influencing global politics and societal change. Modern hacktivists employ a range of tactics, from launching cyber-attacks to expose hidden information, to initiating non-violent online protests to rally support for their causes. This evolution reflects the changing landscape of the digital world and the increasing recognition of the internet as a powerful platform for activism.

Disruptive impact

The motivations behind hacktivism are as diverse as the individuals involved. While some are driven by altruistic ideologies, seeking to bring about positive change in the world, others may be motivated by personal agendas. This diversity in motivation can lead to a wide range of outcomes. For instance, an altruistic hacktivist might expose a company's unethical practices, leading to increased transparency and accountability. On the other hand, a hacktivist driven by personal motives might use their skills to manipulate public opinion or cause harm to specific individuals or organizations.

Hacktivism is not typically motivated by financial gain. Instead, many hacktivists use their skills to expose wrongdoing, such as government or corporate malpractice. They may employ tactics like defaming, doxing, or launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks to bring attention to these issues. As a result, when previously hidden information is revealed, public trust can shift from traditional institutions, like political parties, to these hacktivists. This shift in trust can lead to a greater acceptance and propagation of hacktivist ideologies within society.

Looking forward, the influence of hacktivism is likely to continue growing. As digital literacy increases and more people become aware of the power of the internet, the number of individuals aligning with hacktivist ideologies could increase. This development could lead to a more informed and engaged public, capable of holding governments and corporations accountable. 

Implications of hacktivism

Wider implications for hacktivism may include:

• Becoming an indirect weapon against global terrorism and encouraging positive cybersecurity reforms worldwide.


• A future where alternative news organizations and independent journalists embed with (or themselves become) hacktivists to uncover stories.  


• Hacktivism of an international scale that publicizes acts of injustice being carried out by foreign governing bodies or organizations worldwide.


• More governments investing public resources into hiring white-hat hackers to protect their cyber security while also trying to unmask the anonymity of hacktivists.


• A closer collaboration between governments to coordinate the apprehending of hacktivists.


• Increased public engagement in political and social issues, resulting in a more informed and active citizenry.


• The exposure of corporate or governmental malpractices by hacktivists leading to a shift in economic power, with consumers choosing to support more ethical businesses.


• The threat of hacktivist actions pushing companies to be more transparent about their environmental impact, leading to improved corporate sustainability practices.

Questions to consider

• Do you see governments gaining the upper hand over hacktivists?


• Is there a possibility that international governing bodies and hacktivist groups would work collaboratively to fight global terrorism and other crimes?