Hacking the Future: Privacy, Identity, and Anonymity on the Web

by Cole Stryker

Identity Wars is a broad look at how anonymity influences politics, activism, religion, and art. Stryker presents a strong defense of anonymity and explores some of the tools and organizations relating to this issue, especially as it has evolved with the ubiquity of the Internet. Cogent and compelling, his examination of online identities, both false and real, is an essential read for the social-networking age.

Genres: Nonfiction, Technology, Politics

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2012

Reviews

[Andy Oram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful history, with valid arguments for the protection of privacy and anonymity, but the book could have been better. If I were Stryker's editor, I would start by asking him to be clear when he is speaking to a sophisticated audience of Internet-savvy readers (probably the bulk of the people who will buy the book) and when he is addressing a more general public in a journalistic manner. Although he makes off-hand references to events only an Internet veteran would know, I think he routinely assumes he's talking to a less technically adept reader in order to forgo the rigour of explaining complex topics. Unfortunately, such rigour is sometimes necessary because the devil often lies in the details (such as to explain why one type of anonymizing service is more effective than another). I do, however, ultimately respect his defence of anonymity and his sober discussion of the measures people and institutions could take to mitigate against its bad aspects. Stryker's logic is sometimes hard to follow (I don't believe his conclusion is always reachable from his arguments) and he indulges in oddities such as declaring that the FCC's regulation of the Internet consists only of the "four freedoms" enunciated by Chairman Michael Powell in 2004. His points about anonymity have circulated widely for years, so in order for his book to play a useful role as a canonical, principled statement, it should have been more disciplined and better organized.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty convincing argument in favour of privacy and anonymity on the Web as a rebuttal to Randi Zuckerberg's statements. He doesn't skirt away from the fact that there is the reality and potential for abuse because of the mask of anonymity, but the point remains that the Internet is a complicated space for social interaction and merely just saying identity authentication will stop all evils is not the solution when clearly that isn't working as the one true solution for the offline world. Also really interesting comments raised by his interviewees on western media, their portrayal of the role of social media in the Arab Spring and the default assumptions that 'social media platforms are creating a digital democracy where everyone is equal' and that technology only has a globalising rather than also glocalising effect. Great quotes from others peppering the book: E.g. Hussein Rashid "There is a difference between power and leverage. That's what politics is. When I have power and security, I will speak openly. that may or may not affect change. If I want to change, then leverage is more important. Sometimes that means I can't be open about what I say. Either messenger or message can be difficult for people. You work in coalitions. You work anonymously. The latter is really important if you have neither power nor security. I think privilege, in this instance, is where people see power and leverage as the same thing."

[Elior Sterling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a generally good book covering a wide range of issues relating to anonymity, privacy, cryptography, and the balance between protecting the innocent and stopping criminals. If you know a fair amoung about these subjects, there are likely to still be some tidbits you can gain from the book. If you are totally new to the debate, this book provides a fair and even-handed discussion of the problems at hand.

My biggest criticism of the book is that it's very US-centric in its views and version of history. It completely ignores the work of the British in the development of public key cryptography, for instance. It could have been worse. The author does at least discuss some non-US based problems and issues, but the American filter is still thick.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for people just exploring these topics. Its an unbiased a look as i have come across yet, but for me it did not carry much in the way of new information. Being an original fone phreaker (although pretty harmless), watching identity, encryption, and online access has been part of my IT career - so there just was not much new here. But i would recommend this to anyone who does not have much knowledge of hacktivism and the privacy issues facing every today - because whether you are online or not, your information IS there.

[Alex Jahnke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stryker hat schon mit "Epic Win for Anonymous" eine sehr gute Chronik von 4chan und Anonymous geschrieben und setzt die Chronik mit mehr Theorie in Hacking the Future fort. Dabei geht es um die Wichtigkeit von Anonymität im Internet ohne dabei die Schattenseiten aus den Augen zu verlieren und alles mit Fakten zu belegen. Dem Profi werden wahrscheinlich einige Details fehlen, dafür ist das Buch aber auch für Laien lesbar und hoch interessant.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

COLE STRYKER IS MY HERO.

An overview of the history of anonymity, pros and cons. Essentially written as a cris de coeur against Randi Zuckerberg's and Eric Smidt's all too disturbing comments about the lack of a need for online anonymity. The book comes out in defense of anonymity, but does not shy away from the murky underworld that can result, and the downsides that accompany it.

As an aside, I lost my 3rd grade spelling bee on the word "anonymous. "

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book on being your real self on the internet. I really appreciated Stryker's interviews and wide range of thought provoking research and arguments. I think this books is a must read for anyone interested in understanding how "life" on the internet started on the potential implications for the future with how much we share and it's connection to our physical identity. Eery in light of the recent allegations of the NSA's data harvesting.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Anonymity lets you be a different person, but it also allows you to be who you really are."

Stryker offers a compelling argument for anonymity on the web. Well written but not without gaps in arguments. His book has certainly made me think more carefully about "privacy, identity, and anonymity on the web."

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phenomenal read. Makes you realize that you don't even know how much you don't know about how easily you are tracked on the intertoobs and the vital role of anonymity and increased privacy as it relates to individual freedom.

[River · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent look at anonymity, privacy, and the web. It suffers from a lack of detail, but has some interesting bits, particularly its discussion of Anonymous and hacking subcultures.

[Brendan · Rating 2 out of 5]

' Looky-loos ' used as a noun ( interesting ) A few things I'd not heard of yet.