Glossary

Agorism is a libertarian political philosophy founded by Samuel Edward Konkin III (SEK3) that promotes the creation of a voluntary society through counter-economics and peaceful revolution against the state. The term was first introduced at CounterCon I in 1974 and emphasizes direct action through black and grey market activity as a means of living free from state control while simultaneously weakening state power. Read more →

Alternative Education Systems refer to educational approaches that differ from traditional, standardized schooling methods by employing diverse pedagogical philosophies and learning environments. These systems often emphasize individualized learning, holistic development, and student autonomy, moving away from rigid curriculum structures and standardized testing. Common examples include Montessori, Waldorf Education, unschooling, and democratic schools. Read more →

Anarchism is a political philosophy that advocates for self-governed societies based on voluntary associations. It opposes all involuntary, coercive hierarchy and authority, including but not limited to the state. Instead of centralized power structures, anarchism proposes horizontal organization, mutual aid, and direct action as means of organizing society. The term derives from the Ancient Greek "anarchos," meaning "without rulers." Read more →

Anarchocapitalism is a political philosophy and economic theory that advocates for the elimination of the state in favor of individual sovereignty, private property, and free markets. It combines anarchism's rejection of the state with capitalism's emphasis on private ownership and voluntary exchange. Read more →

Anonymous communication refers to methods and technologies that enable people to exchange information while concealing their identities and protecting their privacy. This is a fundamental concept in digital freedom and privacy, achieved through various technical means like encryption, routing protocols, and specialized networks. The most well-known implementation is the Tor network, which enables anonymous internet browsing and communication through a volunteer-operated overlay network. Read more →

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as pattern recognition, decision-making, and natural language processing. Modern AI systems primarily use machine learning techniques, particularly deep neural networks, which learn from data to improve their performance without explicit programming. Read more →

Assassination Politics is a controversial concept proposed by crypto-anarchist Jim Bell in a 1995-96 essay series that describes a system for anonymously crowdfunding political assassinations using cryptography and digital cash. The system proposed combining prediction markets with anonymous payment systems to create what Bell argued would be a tool for enforcing political accountability, though the concept has been widely criticized on both ethical and practical grounds. Read more →

Biohacking is a broad movement focused on optimizing human biology and performance through technological and biological interventions. It encompasses various approaches, from DIY biology and self-experimentation to lifestyle optimization and technological augmentation. The term emerged in the early 2000s and has since grown into a global movement that combines elements of citizen science, self-quantification, and human enhancement. Read more →

BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer (P2P) communication protocol for file sharing that enables users to distribute and share data in a decentralized manner. Instead of downloading files from a single centralized server, BitTorrent allows users to download pieces of files from multiple peers simultaneously, making the distribution process more efficient and resilient while reducing the bandwidth cost for the original distributor. Read more →

Bitcoin is the world's first decentralized cryptocurrency, introduced in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a peer-to-peer network without the need for intermediaries, using blockchain technology to maintain a public ledger of all transactions. Bitcoin was created as a response to the 2008 financial crisis, aiming to provide a currency independent of central banks and government control. Read more →

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that enables secure, transparent, and tamper-resistant record-keeping without the need for a central authority. First conceptualized by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 as the underlying technology for Bitcoin, blockchain has since evolved into a broader technological framework with applications far beyond cryptocurrencies. Read more →

The Byzantine Generals Problem is a fundamental concept in distributed systems that illustrates the challenges of reaching consensus among multiple parties who need to agree on a single strategy, while some participants may be unreliable or malicious. The problem is presented as an allegory where multiple Byzantine generals must coordinate an attack on a city, but can only communicate through messengers, and some generals might be traitors trying to sabotage the plan. Read more →

A canary file (or warrant canary) is a method used by service providers to indirectly inform their users that they have not received any secret government subpoenas or warrants for user data. The concept is named after the historical practice of using canaries in coal mines to detect dangerous gases - when the canary stops singing (or in this case, when the warrant canary statement disappears), it serves as a warning signal. Read more →

Censorship resistance is a fundamental property of decentralized networks that prevents any entity, whether governments, corporations, or individuals, from altering, blocking, or controlling transactions and information flow within the system. This characteristic is achieved through decentralization, cryptography, and consensus mechanisms that ensure no single party can exert unilateral control over the network. Bitcoin is often considered the most censorship-resistant cryptocurrency due to its highly decentralized nature. Read more →

Commons-based peer production (CBPP) is a term coined by Harvard Law School professor Yochai Benkler to describe a model of socio-economic production in which groups of individuals cooperate with each other to produce shared resources without traditional hierarchical organization. This system is characterized by decentralized coordination, non-monetary incentives, and the creation of commons-based resources that are freely accessible to all. The most prominent example is Wikipedia, but it also includes projects like Linux and other free and open-source software. Read more →

A consensus mechanism is a fault-tolerant protocol used in blockchain systems and distributed computing to achieve agreement on a single data value or state of the network among distributed processes or multi-agent systems. In the context of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, consensus mechanisms ensure that all nodes in the network agree on the validity of transactions and the order in which they are added to the ledger. Read more →

Counter-economics is a philosophical and practical approach to economic activity that operates outside state control, developed by Samuel Edward Konkin III as part of his theory of Agorism. It encompasses all peaceful economic activity that takes place in the informal sector, including black and grey markets, and is seen as a means of undermining state power through economic civil disobedience. Read more →

The Crypto Anarchist Manifesto is a seminal document written by Timothy C. May in 1988 that laid the philosophical foundation for the crypto-anarchy movement and influenced the broader cypherpunk ideology. The manifesto predicted how cryptography and digital technologies would fundamentally transform the nature of corporations and government interference in economic transactions. It envisioned a future where cryptographic software would allow individuals to freely interact and conduct business anonymously, beyond state control. Read more →

The Crypto Wars refers to the ongoing political and legal battles between governments (particularly the United States) and advocates of strong encryption, centered around attempts to restrict or control public access to cryptographic technologies. This conflict emerged prominently in the 1990s when the US government tried to maintain control over encryption through export controls and proposals like the Clipper Chip, setting off a debate between national security interests and digital privacy rights that continues today. Read more →

Crypto-discourse refers to the unique communication patterns, language, and modes of discussion that have emerged within the cryptocurrency and blockchain communities. It encompasses the specialized terminology, cultural norms, and rhetorical styles used by participants in crypto-related spaces, including social media platforms, forums, and other digital communication channels. This discourse reflects the intersection of technical, economic, and ideological aspects of the crypto movement. Read more →

Cryptoanarchy is a political philosophy and technological movement that advocates for the use of strong cryptography and privacy-enhancing technologies to advance individual liberty, economic freedom, and political autonomy. Emerging in the late 1980s with the Cypherpunk movement, cryptoanarchy draws inspiration from anarchist and libertarian ideals, as well as from technological innovations in computer science and cryptography. Read more →

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security, operating on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology. Unlike traditional currencies issued by central banks, cryptocurrencies are typically not subject to governmental monetary policies and often aim to provide alternatives to conventional financial systems. Read more →

Cryptographic voting systems are advanced electronic voting solutions that use cryptography to ensure secure, verifiable, and transparent democratic processes. These systems, also known as end-to-end auditable (E2E) voting systems, employ sophisticated mathematical techniques to protect voter privacy while maintaining the integrity of the election process. They represent a crucial intersection of cryptography, democracy, and digital rights. Read more →

Cryptography is the science and practice of securing communication and information through the use of codes, ciphers, and other methods of encryption. It is a branch of mathematics and computer science that focuses on developing techniques to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data, making it readable only to intended recipients while keeping it unintelligible to unauthorized parties. Read more →

Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by its focus on "high tech, low life" - a combination of advanced technology and societal breakdown. The genre typically features a dystopian future where society is dominated by powerful corporations, ubiquitous technology, and cybernetic body modifications, while ordinary people struggle to survive in the margins. The term was coined by author Bruce Bethke in his 1983 short story "Cyberpunk," but the genre was popularized by writers like William Gibson, particularly through his novel "Neuromancer" (1984). Read more →

Cyborgism represents the integration of technology with human biology and consciousness, embracing the symbiotic relationship between humans and machines. It goes beyond mere tool use, suggesting that technology can become a fundamental part of human identity and capability. This philosophy views technological augmentation not as artificial, but as a natural evolution of human potential and self-sovereignty. Read more →

The Cyphernomicon is a comprehensive document written by Timothy C. May in 1994 that serves as both a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) and manifesto for the Cypherpunk movement. Released as version 0.666, it outlines the fundamental ideas, principles, and technical aspects behind the cypherpunk philosophy and crypto-anarchy. The document has become one of the foundational texts of the cypherpunk movement, alongside the Crypto Anarchist Manifesto. Read more →

Cypherpunk is a political and social movement that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, advocating for the use of strong cryptography and privacy-enhancing technologies as a means to achieve social and political change. The term "cypherpunk" is a combination of "cipher" (or "cypher") and "cyberpunk". Cypherpunks believe that privacy is essential for an open society in the electronic age and see strong cryptography as a tool to preserve civil liberties against government overreach and corporate surveillance. Read more →

The Cypherpunk's Manifesto is a foundational document written by Eric Hughes in 1993 that outlines the core principles and philosophy of the cypherpunk movement. The manifesto begins with the famous declaration "Privacy is necessary for an open society in the electronic age" and proceeds to explain why privacy through cryptography is essential for maintaining freedom in the digital world. It emphasizes that privacy is not secrecy - privacy is the power to selectively reveal oneself to the world. Read more →

A darknet is an overlay network within the Internet that can only be accessed with specific software, configurations, or authorization, often using non-standard communication protocols and ports. The most famous darknet is the Tor network, which provides anonymity by encrypting and routing internet traffic through a worldwide network of volunteer servers. Darknets are a key component of the "Dark Web" - websites that are not indexed by traditional search engines and require special software to access. Read more →

Decentralization is the process of distributing power, control, and functions away from central authorities to a network of individual participants. In its purest form, decentralization eliminates single points of failure or control, creating systems that are more resilient, censorship-resistant, and immune to manipulation. This concept can be applied to various domains including technology, organizations, economies, and social structures. Read more →

Decentralized Applications (dApps) are software applications that run on peer-to-peer networks rather than centralized servers, eliminating single points of control and failure. Unlike traditional applications where code and data are controlled by a single entity, dApps operate on distributed networks where users retain control of their data and interactions, with core functionality typically implemented through smart contract and peer-to-peer protocols. Read more →

A Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) is a novel form of organizational structure that operates without traditional hierarchical management, instead using blockchain technology and smart contracts to enable collective decision-making and automated execution of rules. DAOs are governed by their members who typically hold governance tokens that grant them voting rights on proposals, treasury management, and organizational changes. The organization's rules and transaction records are transparently stored on a blockchain, making them publicly verifiable. Read more →

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) refers to an emerging financial technology based on secure distributed ledgers similar to those used by cryptocurrencies. It's a system that removes traditional centralized intermediaries like banks and financial institutions from financial transactions, replacing them with smart contracts on blockchain networks. This revolutionary approach aims to create an open, permissionless, and transparent financial system accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Read more →

Digital autonomy refers to the ability of individuals, organizations, or nations to maintain independence and control over their digital technologies, data, and infrastructure. It encompasses the capacity to make sovereign decisions about technological systems while reducing dependence on external entities or proprietary solutions. This concept has become increasingly important in an era where digital technologies are deeply embedded in all aspects of life, from personal privacy to national security. Read more →

Digital Freedom refers to the fundamental rights and liberties of individuals in the digital realm, encompassing the ability to access, use, create, and publish digital media while maintaining privacy and autonomy. It represents the extension of basic human rights and civil liberties into the digital space, including freedom of expression, right to privacy, and access to information through digital technologies, particularly the Internet. Read more →

Digital identity is a set of attributes and claims that represent an entity in digital environments, enabling authentication and interaction without revealing unnecessary personal information. In the context of parallel structures, digital identity emphasizes self-sovereignty, where individuals maintain complete control over their identity data without relying on centralized authorities or traditional identity providers. Read more →

Digital Self-Defense refers to the practices and techniques individuals use to protect their digital privacy, security, and personal information in the face of increasing online threats and surveillance. It encompasses a wide range of skills and tools designed to safeguard one's digital presence, communications, and data from unauthorized access, manipulation, or exploitation. Read more →

Digital signatures are cryptographic proofs that enable message authentication, integrity verification, and non-repudiation without relying on trusted third parties. Using public key cryptography, a signer creates an unforgeable mathematical seal with their private key that anyone can verify using the corresponding public key, proving both the origin of a message and that it hasn't been altered. Read more →

Distributed Manufacturing, also known as distributed production or local manufacturing, is a form of decentralized manufacturing system where products are manufactured close to their final destination using a network of geographically dispersed facilities connected through information technology. This approach stands in contrast to the traditional centralized manufacturing model where products are mass-produced in large factories and then shipped globally. The concept has gained significant momentum with the advent of 3D Printing, Digital Fabrication, and other Advanced Manufacturing technologies that enable small-scale, flexible production. Read more →

The double-spending problem refers to the potential flaw in digital currency systems where the same digital token or coin could be spent more than once. This was one of the fundamental challenges that needed to be solved before digital currencies could become viable, as digital information can be easily duplicated, unlike physical cash. The solution to this problem was a key breakthrough that enabled the creation of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Read more →

Encryption is the process of encoding information in such a way that only authorized parties can access it. It converts data into a form that appears random to anyone who doesn't have the decryption key. Encryption is a fundamental component of data security and privacy in the digital age, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access, interception, and tampering. Read more →

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a system of communication where only the communicating users can read the messages, preventing third parties – including telecom providers, internet providers, and even the application service provider itself – from accessing the cryptographic keys needed to decrypt the conversation. In E2EE systems, the data is encrypted on the sender's device and can only be decrypted on the recipient's device, making it one of the most secure forms of encryption available for everyday communication. Read more →

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and other co-founders that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Unlike Bitcoin which primarily functions as a digital currency, Ethereum was designed as a programmable blockchain that can be used to build and deploy decentralized software applications, creating what some call a "world computer." Read more →

Free market refer to an economic system in which prices for goods and services are determined by open competition between privately owned businesses, without significant government intervention or regulation. This concept is fundamental to classical liberalism and laissez-faire economic theories, emphasizing voluntary exchange, private property rights, and minimal government interference in economic activities. Read more →

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) refers to software that is released under licenses that grant users the fundamental freedoms to run, study, modify, and distribute the software. This movement represents a revolutionary approach to software development and distribution that emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and user freedom. The core principles include access to the source code, the ability to make modifications, and the right to share the software with others, either in its original or modified form. Read more →

Fungibility is a fundamental property of an asset or good that indicates its individual units are interchangeable and indistinguishable from one another. In economic terms, if an item is fungible, any unit of that item can be substituted for another unit without changing its value or utility. The classic example of a fungible asset is fiat currency - one dollar bill is equal to and interchangeable with any other dollar bill. This property is crucial for any asset that aims to serve as a medium of exchange or store of value. Read more →

Game theory is the mathematical study of strategic decision-making between rational actors, providing a framework for understanding how incentives shape behavior in decentralized systems. In crypto networks and parallel structures, game theory principles guide the design of protocols that remain stable and secure without central control, creating systems where individual self-interest aligns with collective benefit. Read more →

A hackerspace (also known as a hackspace or makerspace) is a community-operated physical workspace where people with common interests in technology, digital art, science, and DIY culture can meet, socialize, collaborate, and work on projects. These spaces typically provide tools, equipment, and resources that might be too expensive or impractical for individuals to own, ranging from 3D printers and laser cutters to electronics workstations and traditional workshop tools. Read more →

Hacktivism combines hacking with activism, using digital tools and computer networks to promote political ideals, freedom of speech, and human rights. Hacktivists employ various techniques including website defacement, information leaks, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) actions, and creation of privacy-enhancing tools to advance social, ideological, and political causes. Notable hacktivist campaigns have exposed corruption, challenged censorship, and supported protest movements worldwide. Read more →

Homomorphic Encryption (HE) is a revolutionary form of cryptography that allows computations to be performed directly on encrypted data without requiring decryption first. This powerful property enables secure data processing while maintaining privacy, as the data remains encrypted throughout the entire computation process. It represents a significant advancement in cryptographic techniques and has important implications for data security and privacy-preserving computation. Read more →

Human Augmentation refers to the development and application of technologies that aim to enhance human physical, cognitive, and sensory capabilities beyond their natural limitations. This field encompasses a wide range of technologies, from relatively simple devices like cochlear implants to more advanced innovations such as brain-computer interfaces, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence integration. The goal is to improve human abilities and quality of life through technological means. Read more →

Information Ethics is a branch of ethics that focuses on the relationship between the creation, organization, dissemination, and use of information, and the ethical standards and moral codes governing human conduct in society. It addresses the moral issues arising from the lifecycle of information, particularly in the context of the digital age where data collection, processing, and sharing have become ubiquitous. The field examines questions about privacy, accessibility, intellectual property, and the social impact of information technologies. Read more →

Libertarianism is a political philosophy that places individual liberty as its core principle, advocating for the maximization of personal freedom and voluntary cooperation while opposing the initiation of force against individuals and their property. This philosophical framework emphasizes self-ownership, property rights, free markets, and the principle that all human relationships and associations should be based on voluntary consent rather than coercion. Read more →

Lunarpunk is an emerging philosophical and aesthetic movement that builds upon the foundations of cyberpunk and solarpunk, with a focus on privacy, anonymity, and resilience in a world of ubiquitous surveillance. The term combines "lunar", evoking darkness and mystery, with "punk", signifying a rebellious and alternative approach to societal norms. Read more →

Machine Learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence that focuses on developing systems that can learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. In the context of parallel structures and decentralized systems, ML has evolved to include approaches that distribute computation and learning across multiple nodes or participants, rather than relying on centralized processing. This decentralized approach aligns with principles of privacy, security, and resistance to central control. Read more →

Mass surveillance refers to the widespread, often covert monitoring of large populations' communications, movements, and activities by governments, corporations, or other entities. This practice has existed for centuries but has dramatically expanded in scope and sophistication with the advent of digital technologies and the internet. Modern mass surveillance employs a variety of methods, including intercepting telecommunications, monitoring internet activity, and collecting biometric data. Read more →

Mesh networks are decentralized communication systems where each device (node) in the network connects to multiple other nodes, creating redundant paths for data transmission. Unlike traditional networks with centralized infrastructure, mesh networks can function without central control points, making them resilient to failure and censorship. Each node in the network acts as both a user and a relay, helping to route data to its destination. Read more →

A mixnet (mix network) is a routing protocol that uses a chain of proxy servers, called mix nodes, to obscure the correspondence between the messages that go in and the messages that come out, thereby providing anonymous communication. While similar to onion routing used in systems like Tor, mixnets provide stronger anonymity guarantees through additional mechanisms like message batching, reordering, and intentional delays, making them more resistant to timing analysis attacks at the cost of higher latency. Read more →

Neurotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that combines neuroscience with technological innovation to develop systems that can interact directly with the nervous system. This emerging field encompasses a wide range of applications, from medical treatments and neural prosthetics to brain-computer interfaces and cognitive enhancement technologies. The core aim is to understand, monitor, and influence neural activity to improve human health, capabilities, and experience. Read more →

The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) is a fundamental ethical principle that states that no one may threaten or commit violence ("aggress") against another person's life, body, or property. It is considered a defining principle of libertarianism and anarcho-capitalism, serving as an ethical foundation for advocating individual rights, private property, and voluntary interaction between people. Read more →

A Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is a unique digital identifier recorded on a blockchain that certifies the ownership and authenticity of a specific digital asset. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which are fungible (meaning each unit is identical and interchangeable), NFTs are unique and cannot be exchanged on a like-for-like basis. This technology enables digital scarcity and verifiable ownership of digital assets, including artwork, music, videos, virtual real estate, and other forms of digital content. Read more →

Nootropics, also known as "smart drugs" or "cognitive enhancers," are natural, semisynthetic, or synthetic compounds that aim to improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation in healthy individuals. The term was coined by Romanian psychologist Corneliu E. Giurgea in 1972, who established several criteria for what constitutes a nootropic, including the enhancement of learning capabilities, resistance to disrupting brain conditions, and very few side effects. Read more →

Off-grid living refers to a lifestyle characterized by independence from centralized utilities and systems. It involves creating self-sufficient living spaces that operate without reliance on public infrastructure for electricity, water, food, or other essential resources. This approach emphasizes self-sovereignty and resilience through the use of independent systems and sustainable practices. Read more →

Onion Routing is a technique for anonymous communication over computer networks. It encrypts data in multiple layers and transmits it through a series of network nodes, with each node "peeling" away a single layer of encryption to uncover the data's next destination. This process obscures the data's origin, destination, and content from network surveillance and traffic analysis. Read more →

Open Hardware (also known as Open Source Hardware or OSHW) refers to physical artifacts whose design has been released to the public in such a way that anyone can study, modify, distribute, make, and sell the design or hardware based on that design. The hardware's source files, including mechanical drawings, schematics, bills of materials, PCB layout data, HDL source code, and any software that interfaces with the hardware, must be readily available and modifiable under an open license. Read more →

Operations Security (OpSec) is a systematic process and set of practices designed to protect critical information and prevent potential adversaries from gaining access to sensitive data or operations. Originally developed as a military concept during the Vietnam War under the codename "Purple Dragon," OpSec has since evolved to become a crucial component of both governmental and civilian security practices. The core principle of OpSec is identifying and protecting information that could be pieced together by adversaries to gain insights into protected activities or systems. Read more →

"Paralelní Polis" (Parallel Polis) is an influential essay written by Czech philosopher and political dissident Václav Benda in 1978. The essay introduced the concept of creating parallel structures within society as a means of resistance against totalitarian regimes, particularly in the context of Communist Czechoslovakia. Benda's work became a foundational text for the Czech dissident movement (Charta 77) and had a significant impact on political thought in Eastern Europe. Read more →

Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a distributed network architecture where participants (peers) share resources directly with each other without requiring central coordination. In a P2P network, each node can act as both client and server, enabling direct exchange of data, processing power, or other resources between participants. This decentralized approach stands in contrast to traditional client-server models where clients must interact through centralized servers. Read more →

Piracy, in the digital context, refers to the unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of copyrighted digital content such as software, music, movies, books, and other media. While traditionally viewed as illegal by mainstream institutions and copyright holders, some within parallel structure movements see it as a form of information freedom and resistance against restrictive intellectual property regimes. This tension highlights the ongoing debate between proprietary control and the free flow of information in the digital age. Read more →

Plausible deniability is a concept in which individuals or organizations can deny knowledge of or responsibility for some actions without direct lies or deceit, usually because of a lack of evidence that confirms their participation. Originally developed in the context of national security and intelligence operations, the concept has since found applications in various fields, including politics, law, and technology. Read more →

Post-State Governance Models refer to alternative systems of social and political organization that aim to transcend traditional nation-state structures through decentralized, networked, and often technology-enabled forms of governance. These models explore how communities can organize, make decisions, and provide services traditionally associated with states (such as security, dispute resolution, and public goods) without relying on centralized state authority. Read more →

Prediction markets are platforms where users can trade on the outcomes of future events, effectively creating a market-based forecasting system. In the cryptocurrency space, decentralized prediction markets like Polymarket and Augur allow users to bet on real-world event outcomes using cryptocurrencies, with the market prices reflecting the collective probability assessment of those events occurring. Read more →

Privacy is the right of an individual or group to control information about themselves and determine when, how, and to what extent this information is communicated to others. In the digital age, privacy has become increasingly complex and crucial, encompassing not only physical space but also digital data and online activities. Read more →

Proof of Stake (PoS) is a consensus mechanism used in blockchain networks to validate transactions and create new blocks. Unlike Proof of Work, which relies on computational power, PoS selects validators based on the amount of cryptocurrency they "stake" or lock up as collateral in the network. This approach is significantly more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional mining methods. Read more →

Proof of Work (PoW) is a consensus mechanism and spam prevention system first developed to combat email spam and later adapted for use in cryptocurrencies, most notably Bitcoin. It requires participants (often called miners) to expend computational effort solving complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions and create new blocks in a blockchain. Read more →

Pseudonymity is a state of operating under a pseudonym (a fake name or identifier) while maintaining a consistent identity over time. Unlike anonymity, where an actor is completely unknown, pseudonymity allows individuals to build reputation, maintain relationships, and engage in long-term interactions while protecting their real identity. This concept is fundamental to many privacy-preserving systems and digital communities. Read more →

Public Key Cryptography, also known as asymmetric cryptography, is a cryptographic system that uses pairs of keys: public keys which may be disseminated widely, and private keys which are known only to the owner. This system enables secure communication and authentication without requiring a pre-shared secret between parties. The fundamental breakthrough of public key cryptography is that it allows people who have never met to securely exchange encrypted messages and verify the authenticity of digital signatures. Read more →

Satoshi Nakamoto is the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin who published the Bitcoin whitepaper in 2008 and launched the Bitcoin network in 2009. Despite being responsible for one of the most revolutionary financial innovations of the 21st century, Nakamoto's true identity remains unknown, having disappeared from public communication in 2011 after handing over Bitcoin's development to other contributors. The estimated 1 million bitcoins in wallets associated with Nakamoto remain untouched. Read more →

Seasteading is the concept of creating permanent dwellings at sea, particularly floating cities in international waters that operate with significant autonomy from existing nations. The modern seasteading movement was formalized with the founding of The Seasteading Institute (TSI) by Patri Friedman and Wayne Gramlich in 2008, with significant backing from Peter Thiel. The concept represents an intersection of libertarianism, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability. Read more →

Secure communication refers to the practice of exchanging information between parties in a way that prevents unauthorized access, interception, or tampering. It is a fundamental concept in privacy and information security, built upon principles established by the cypherpunk movement and modern cryptography. The core elements of secure communication include end-to-end encryption, forward secrecy, and methods to verify the authenticity of participants in a conversation. Read more →

Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) is a concept and approach to digital identity management that gives individuals complete control over their personal information and how it's shared. Unlike traditional identity systems where data is controlled by governments, corporations, or other centralized authorities, SSI enables people to manage their own identity credentials without relying on any external administrative authority. This system is built on principles of privacy, security, and portability, utilizing blockchain technology and cryptography to create verifiable credentials. Read more →

Self-sovereignty is a concept that emphasizes individual control and ownership over one's identity and personal data without relying on centralized third-party authorities. In the digital realm, this manifests as Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), a model that gives individuals full ownership of their digital identities, allowing them to manage and share their personal information on their own terms while maintaining privacy and security. Read more →

A shadow library is an online database or digital archive that provides free access to academic papers, books, and other content that is typically behind paywalls or otherwise restricted. These platforms emerged as a response to the limited accessibility of scholarly knowledge and high costs of academic publications. Notable examples include Sci-Hub, Z-Library, and Library Genesis (LibGen), which collectively host millions of research articles and books. Read more →

A smart contract is a self-executing computer program that runs on a blockchain network, automatically enforcing and executing the terms of an agreement between parties without the need for intermediaries. First proposed by Nick Szabo in 1994, smart contracts gained practical implementation with the launch of Ethereum in 2015, enabling automated, trustless transactions and interactions in a decentralized environment. Read more →

Solarpunk is both a cultural movement and artistic aesthetic that envisions an optimistic future where humanity has successfully addressed climate change and created sustainable, equitable societies through the thoughtful application of renewable technologies, particularly solar power. Unlike its darker cousin cyberpunk, which often depicts dystopian futures dominated by corporate control and technological alienation, Solarpunk imagines a world where technology and nature exist in harmony, emphasizing green technology, social justice, and community empowerment. Read more →

Steganography is the practice of concealing information within other non-secret data or carriers in a way that prevents the detection of hidden messages. Unlike cryptography, which makes a message unreadable but obvious that it exists, steganography aims to hide the very existence of the communication. The term comes from the Greek words "steganos" (covered or hidden) and "graphein" (writing), and its first recorded use was in 1499 by Johannes Trithemius in his work "Steganographia." Read more →

Surveillance capitalism is a term coined by Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff to describe a new economic order that claims human experiences as free raw material for commercial practices of extraction, prediction, and sales. This system is primarily driven by major tech companies that collect and commodify personal data for profit. Through various digital platforms and services, these companies harvest vast amounts of information about human behavior, preferences, relationships, and activities, which is then processed using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to create detailed predictions about future behaviors. Read more →

Tax avoidance refers to the legal practice of arranging one's financial affairs to minimize tax liability within the bounds of the law. Unlike tax evasion, which is illegal, tax avoidance utilizes legitimate methods to reduce tax obligations through careful financial planning, use of tax deductions, credits, and other legal mechanisms. This practice is commonly used by individuals and corporations as part of their financial strategy, though it often operates in a grey area between fully compliant tax practices and the shadow economy. Read more →

Tor, short for "The Onion Router", is a free and open-source software for enabling anonymous communication. It directs Internet traffic through a worldwide overlay network consisting of thousands of relays, concealing a user's location and usage from network surveillance and traffic analysis. Tor is an implementation of onion routing, developed in the mid-1990s by United States Naval Research Laboratory employees. Read more →

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires users to provide two distinct forms of identification to access resources, data, or systems. This additional layer of security goes beyond the traditional username and password combination by requiring a second verification method, making it significantly more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive information or accounts. Read more →

Underground Art and Culture refers to creative and cultural expressions that exist outside mainstream institutional frameworks, often emerging from marginalized communities or those who deliberately choose to operate independently of commercial and established cultural systems. This cultural movement is characterized by its DIY (do-it-yourself) ethos, anti-establishment attitudes, and alternative distribution networks. Underground art and culture often serves as a platform for radical ideas, social criticism, and experimental forms of expression that might be too controversial or unconventional for mainstream acceptance. Read more →

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that encrypts internet traffic and routes it through remote servers, hiding the user's real IP address and geographic location from network surveillance. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel between the user's device and the VPN server, preventing internet service providers, network operators, and other intermediaries from monitoring or interfering with the user's online activities. Read more →

Whistleblowing is the act of exposing information about wrongdoing, unethical behavior, or illegal activities within an organization to internal authorities or the public. In the context of digital rights and transparency, whistleblowing has become a crucial mechanism for holding powerful institutions accountable and protecting public interest. Notable whistleblowers like Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning have used digital tools and encryption to safely expose classified information about government surveillance and military operations. Read more →

A zero-knowledge proof is a cryptographic method that enables one party (the prover) to prove to another party (the verifier) that a statement is true without revealing any information beyond the validity of the statement itself. This groundbreaking concept allows for verification of data or credentials while maintaining complete privacy of the underlying information, making it a cornerstone of modern privacy technologies. Read more →