Reflecting and acting on datafication – CryptoParties as an example of re-active data activism

CryptoParties are events in which people meet to pass on their knowledge or to learn about encrypting online communication and digital media technologies or safe Internet browsing. While some people offer help in realizing these practices, others attend with their laptops, tablets and smartphones to learn how to encrypt. CryptoParties are organized by different people in different locations. The article presents results of an exploratory ethnographic study, in which public CryptoParties in Germany were analysed. The study shows that people participating in CryptoParties reflect on and criticize current processes of datafication. Moreover, they aim at shaping datafication by encrypting their online communication and digital media technologies. Therefore, CryptoParties are discussed as examples of re-active data activism in this article. Applying a critical perspective hierarchies and inequalities at these events are revealed.

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