Paper 2024/970 Original: eprint.iacr.org/2024/970 ↗

Cryptography at the Crossroads: Ethical Responsibility, the Cypherpunk Movement and Institutions

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of cryptographic work with ethical responsibility and political activism, inspired by the Cypherpunk Manifesto and Phillip Rogaway's analysis of the moral character of cryptography. The discussion encompasses the historical context of cryptographic development, the philosophical underpinnings of the cypherpunk ideology, and contemporary challenges posed by mass surveillance and privacy concerns. By examining these facets, the paper calls for a renewed commitment to developing cryptographic solutions that prioritize human rights and societal good.