This week we talk with Gabriella Coleman about her current research on Anonymous and her recently published book, Coding Freedom: The Ethics and Aesthetics of Hacking, which you can download for free under a Creative Commons license. We discuss the rise of Anonymous, how to research a web-based collective whose members hide their identity, the art of “trolling”, and the political significance of the group.
The Society Pages’ Community Page Cyborgology has also written a review of Coding Freedom, which can be read here.
Comments 5
anonymous of course — January 14, 2013
Good interview. Hackers fascinate me. I will have to check out the book. I have always been amazed by the skill they have and how quickly they crack new products and software released by companies that must have invested tons of money into making those products uncrackable. I am curious how the groups that you two talk about relate to the people who create viruses.
Also, I wonder what she has to say about Aaron Swartz.
Kyle Green — January 14, 2013
Hi A.O.C.,
Thanks for listening and commenting. Also, great choice of names.
I wish I had asked about the relationship between the different groups of hackers and the people who make viruses. Of course, if I asked all the questions I should have asked the podcast would have been well over two hours.
Glenn Greenwald has a really good discussion of how inspiring Aaron is. He also looks at actions taken against Aaron that may have led to his suicide.
I generally would say it is dangerous for people to read things that are not part of The Society Pages but I would definitely make an exception for this.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/12/aaron-swartz-heroism-suicide1
Kyle
Jon Smajda — January 15, 2013
Gabriella Coleman on Aaron Swartz .
Friday Roundup: January 18, 2013 » The Editors' Desk — January 18, 2013
[...] “Gabriella Coleman on Anonymous,” by Kyle Green. In which Coleman explores hacking, Anonymous, the free flow of information, and the free flow of her own book, available online under Creative Commons licensing. [...]
Friday Roundup: Awards Edition! » The Editors' Desk — December 20, 2013
[…] “Gabriella Coleman on Anonymous,” with Kyle Green. […]