Question

What is the moral status or standing of hacktivism—legitimate acts of protests and dissenting acts of civil disobedience?

Answer 1

Cyberspace is often portrayed as having no cultural implications, as being the space outside of mundane world. Researches are beginning to reveal that online network can emphasize and promote national, cultural and social identities, while providing a safe space for cultural minorities and civil movements.

Cyberspace also provides a sense of global connectivity, despite closely defined networks, an individual may easily access information and connect with diverse culture.

The global connectivity extends throughout the cyber world, forming a common culture that has influenced many discussions about public domain, civil movements and public protests.

The hactivism is a two face sword which can be used to raise propaganda as well as oppose, past few years we have seen strong impact of Hactivism on the civil movements, environmental issues and human rights. Moreover we have also experienced ideology spreading, influencing internal public issues and election indeed.

Examples- In 1989, a malware Wank-Worm disabled the NASA and US energy department computer in protest of nuclear weapons. This was very important event because it marked the first politically motivated hack and drew international media attention to the cybercrime. In 1995, a group of hackers organised an attack targeting French government website to protest against civil rights and nuclear policies.

By these examples we can see the ethical use of hactivism to protest in advanced way.

References- Rules of Ethics in information processing, Don Parker

                        What is computer ethics, James Moor