Threat Management

Public opinion split on whether hacktivists have legit place in society

Global citizens are collectively torn as to whether or not hacktivists constitute a public nuisance, or actually benefit society by holding criminal organizations, governments and corporations accountable, according to a new survey.

The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and market research firm Ipsos jointly surveyed nearly 25,000 citizens from 24 countries on the topic of hacktivism. The results were mixed, even contradictory: 66 percent said they think hacktivists are breaking the law and should be stopped, but 58 percent said they think hacktivists play an important role in holding wrongdoers accountable.

“Internet users around the world are conflicted on the role of hacktivist groups like Anonymous. You could almost say that people tend to disapprove of their tactics, but approve of what they often do with those means,” Eric Jardine, CIGI research fellow, said in a press release.

Bradley Barth

As director of multimedia content strategy at CyberRisk Alliance, Bradley Barth develops content for online conferences, webcasts, podcasts video/multimedia projects — often serving as moderator or host. For nearly six years, he wrote and reported for SC Media as deputy editor and, before that, senior reporter. He was previously a program executive with the tech-focused PR firm Voxus. Past journalistic experience includes stints as business editor at Executive Technology, a staff writer at New York Sportscene and a freelance journalist covering travel and entertainment. In his spare time, Bradley also writes screenplays.

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