Cryptography and Collective Power

This chapter delves into the complex relationship between cryptography and collective power, tracing the evolution of crypto-for-security and crypto-for-privacy. It highlights the historical context, from the cypherpunk movement to the Snowden revelations, and examines the role of cryptography in social and political change. The text also explores the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing and utilizing cryptographic tools, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to cryptography research and development. It calls for a paradigm shift in cryptography, one that centers the needs of marginalized people and works towards dismantling harmful systems. The chapter also discusses the role of grassroots organizing in shaping the future of cryptography, and the potential for cryptography to be a tool for collective liberation. Through case studies and historical analysis, the text provides a comprehensive overview of the intersection of cryptography and collective power, offering insights into the ways in which cryptography can be used to rearrange power and promote social justice.