Inspired by the 'Cypherpunk Manifesto' and Phillip Rogaway's analysis of the ethical characteristics of cryptography, this article explores the intersection of cryptographic work, ethical responsibility, and political activism. The discussion covers the historical background of cryptographic development, the philosophical foundations of Cypherpunk ideology, and the contemporary challenges brought by mass surveillance and privacy issues. By studying these aspects, this article calls for a renewed commitment to developing cryptographic solutions that prioritize human rights and public goods.

Introduction

Cryptography has long been a tool to ensure communication security and protect privacy. However, its role has extended beyond the scope of technical implementation, covering important political and ethical dimensions. The Cypherpunk Manifesto, written by Eric Hughes in 1993,[7][10]Emphasizes the inherent political nature of Cryptography and advocates for its use as a means to ensure privacy and personal freedom. Similarly, the work of Phillip Rogaway Emphasizes the moral responsibility of the Cryptography family, especially in the context of mass surveillance and social impact.

Fundamentally, cryptography can be seen as a means for the public to protect themselves. The 1993 declaration and Rogaway's work emphasized two key points: distrust of the government and protection of collective data. This view was echoed in David Chaum's idea, who proposed a transaction model that relies on strong encryption to protect privacy. Although more than 40 years have passed since these ideas were first proposed, the dream of protecting society from information misuse is still far away. As Chaum warned:

Computerization is depriving individuals of the ability to supervise and control the use of information about themselves. (...) It is laying the foundation for a dossier society, in which computers can infer individuals' lifestyles, habits, whereabouts, and relationships based on data collected from ordinary consumer transactions.[5]。

In reality, we have already gone in different directions. Today, we rely on this data to simplify and improve our lives. In addition, we are willing to provide this data to make devices 'smarter' and more suitable for our needs. On the one hand, this allows us more time to focus on other tasks, such as developing advanced artificial intelligence technologies. On the other hand, we have also forgotten the essence of why cryptography is necessary and what the original dream was.

The shift from a privacy-centric perspective to an embrace of data sharing for convenience highlights a significant moral dilemma. While technological advancements have made life easier, they have also increased the risk of creating a surveillance society. The Cypherpunk spirit, aimed at empowering individuals and protecting their privacy, seems to be inconsistent with current practices. To reconcile these differences, cryptographers and privacy advocates must reignite the original vision of cryptography - not just as a tool for convenience, but as a means to safeguard privacy, autonomy, and resistance against uncontrolled surveillance.

Another paradigm shift involves the link between cryptography and anarchism. As stated in the original cypherpunk manifesto, the ideas of anarchism and the use of cryptography are tightly intertwined. Essentially, cryptography is seen as a tool to advance anarchist principles. Anarchism opposes all forms of authority and calls for the abolition of institutions, finding a natural ally in cryptographic technology.

In some ways, modern cryptography practices continue to challenge institutional authority. However, there exists a paradox: while cryptography aims to resist centralized control, its development and implementation are often determined by experts and funded by large tech companies and institutions. This creates a tension between the ideals of decentralization and the reality of cryptography innovation driven by powerful entities. In order to truly respect the visions of Cypherpunks and decentralization, a method must be found for developing and deploying cryptographic tools that empower individuals while resisting any form of power consolidation.

There exists an ironic paradox in our community regarding knowledge centralization. One of the beloved policies and mottos of the International Association for Cryptologic Research (IACR) is to spread knowledge worldwide. The original and pure idea is great, but somewhere along the way, this notion has been corrupted. Consider the purpose of a nonprofit organization. Emphasis on the word "nonprofit." However, at every IACR conference, the first slide displayed is "We have a strong financial position." Interestingly, for an association that wants transparency, it is difficult to find data on its "finances" beyond attending the conference. Additionally, every year we see conference registration fees and fund amounts increasing, while the original goal of sharing knowledge seems further away or just a utopia.

Let's be honest, we simply built a disguised company under the guise of academic efforts, using the early days of anarchism, renowned professors, and the fascinating era of cryptography. This departure from the fundamental principles of Cypherpunk and anarchism indicates the need to return to the origins of cryptography development - ensuring that it remains a tool that empowers individuals and protects privacy from various forms of centralization and control.

In this article, our goal is to present a comprehensive sociological perspective of cryptography and the entities that have made progress in cryptography possible over the years. We will explore the ethical and moral responsibilities of cryptography, the origins of social movements influenced by cryptography, and the current trajectory of cryptography. One focus will be on tracing the historical significance of cryptography and how it has shaped various aspects of our society. By examining these elements, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted role of cryptography in the modern world.

The historical background of cryptography and its influence

Initially, Cryptography was defined as a branch of mathematics and computer science, focusing on the development of encryption and decryption techniques for communication. However, today, the scope of Cryptography has significantly expanded. While modern Cryptography still has its roots in mathematics, it also involves computer science, electronic engineering, physics, and several other disciplines. Therefore, the more comprehensive definition of modern Cryptography is: "Cryptography is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to digital security research, aiming to provide tools to ensure communication security."

The development of cryptography has been profoundly influenced by its use in wartime communication and its evolution towards digital security applications. Some important historical milestones include:

· World War II and the Enigma Machine: The use of cryptography in military communication and the Allies' decryption highlighted the dual nature of cryptographic work, both as a security tool and as a target for adversaries.

· The emergence of Public Key Cryptography: The introduction of Public Key cryptographic systems in the 1970s completely changed secure communication and laid the foundation for the practice of modern cryptography.

· Shor Algorithm and Prime Factorization: Develops a Quantum Algorithm capable of breaking modern Public Key cryptography deployed globally.

Cryptography made significant advances during the Second World War, and cryptography and cryptanalysis activities were very active during this period. The success of cryptanalysis during this period demonstrated the importance of rigorous analysis and the possibility of vulnerabilities in encryption methods.

With the development of the computer industry and the rise of private sector demand for secure hardware and software, restrictive regulations on the domestic use and export of encryption technology (initially classified as war equipment) have become outdated. Ongoing technological advancements require state-of-the-art security measures.[6]Distrust of data collection and outdated regulations, together with the advocacy of encryption technology, has become both a necessity in the market and a form of resistance to the increasingly rising monitoring system.

In the mid-1990s, with the development of Shor Algorithm, a significant scientific breakthrough was achieved in the field of cryptography. This Quantum Algorithm efficiently solves problems such as integer factorization and discrete logarithms, which form the basis of many classical cryptographic systems such as RSA and ECC. The emergence of Shor Algorithm has stimulated the development of post-quantum cryptography, which aims to construct cryptographic algorithms that can resist quantum attacks. This has become an important research area because the potential realization of Quantum Computers in the future may compromise the security of current cryptographic systems. Ensuring a smooth transition to post-quantum encryption methods is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of digital communication in the post-quantum era.

Standardization organizations such as NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) have played a crucial role in the development and adoption of Cryptography standards, ensuring interoperability and security between different systems and applications. These standards provide guidelines for secure implementation of Cryptography Algorithm and protocol, which is essential for protecting sensitive information in various domains.

Cryptography is now the foundation of modern technologies such as blockchain, Digital Money, secure chat applications, and internet of things (IoT). For example, blockchain technology relies on cryptographic hashes and Digital Signature to ensure the integrity and authenticity of transactions. Similarly, end-to-end encryption in chat applications like Signal and WhatsApp can ensure that only the intended recipient can read the messages.

This field must also continue to evolve to address various cryptographic attacks, including side-channel attacks, brute force attacks, and sophisticated cryptanalysis techniques. Researchers are also constantly developing new defense technologies and cryptographic primitives to enhance the security of digital systems and guard against these evolving threats.

Looking ahead, emerging trends in Cryptography research include advances in Homomorphic Encryption, which allows for computation on encrypted data without decryption; Zero-Knowledge Proof, which can verify a statement without revealing any information except that the statement is true; Quantum Secret Key distribution, which securely distributes Cryptography Secret Key using principles of Quantum Mechanics.

The Cypherpunk Manifesto: A Political Declaration

In the book 'Cypherpunk: Privacy and Security in the Digital Age' [3]From a new philosophical perspective, Anderson addresses several issues regarding the moral ethics and manifesto of the Cypherpunk movement. This book is relatively new and takes a modern approach to the moral ethics of the Cypherpunk movement.

However, the Cypherpunk philosophy not only involves the politics of security and privacy. Fundamentally, the Cypherpunk worldview is normative, meaning it is based on claims about what individuals and institutions should do and what society should be.[3]

This quote enables us to associate it with the Anarchist movement, and even infer that Cypherpunk philosophy can be viewed as a digital iteration of Anarchism. It can be compared with Bakunin's early works, which echoed similar social norms:

We firmly believe that without the freedom of socialism, there is privilege and injustice, and without the freedom of socialism, there is slavery and barbarism.[4]

Both of these passages emphasize the fundamental belief in how society should be constructed and the importance of balancing freedom and justice. Anderson's Cypherpunk philosophy emphasizes digital privacy and security, while Bakunin's anarchism emphasizes the necessity of social freedom and equality. Together, they reflect a shared vision of normative principles that guide the ideal society. This raises a natural question for the Cypherpunk movement: 'Is this the guide to the digital society?'

As mentioned earlier, we must recognize that the distinction between the 'real' world and the 'digital' world is becoming increasingly blurred. Therefore, another related question is: 'Should we update our view of Cryptography constructs to reflect this unified reality?'

The 'Cypherpunk Manifesto' regards cryptography as a fundamental tool for protecting privacy and promoting individual freedom in the digital age. The main principles of the manifesto include:

· Privacy as a fundamental right: Advocating privacy is crucial for a free society, and individuals must have a way to protect their personal information. This right to privacy is seen as the cornerstone of other civil liberties, highlighting that without privacy, other freedoms will be seriously compromised.

· Decentralization and individual empowerment: Emphasizes the importance of Decentralization systems and empowering individuals through strong cryptography. Decentralization is crucial for preventing the abuse of power by centralized entities, thereby creating a more resilient and fair digital ecosystem.

· Activism and Practical Application: Encourage activists to develop and deploy cryptographic tools to counter government and corporate surveillance. This activism is rooted in the belief that practical technological solutions are necessary to maintain digital freedom, and legislative measures alone may not be sufficient in the digital age.

In the modern world where digital reality and physical reality are intertwined, the principles of the 'Cypherpunk Manifesto' are more important than ever. Cryptography is not only a tool for protecting information, but also a fundamental element for ensuring individual sovereignty and resisting oppressive structures. As technology continues to advance, the manifesto's call for privacy, Decentralization, and active activism provides a crucial framework for building a fair and just digital society.

The Ethical Responsibility of Cryptographers

In his paper 'The Moral Character of Cryptographic Work', Phillip Rogaway[10]In China, cryptography research is not value-neutral, and cryptographers have a moral responsibility to consider the social and political impact of their work. He raised several key points:

· Moral Responsibility: Cryptographers should recognize their moral responsibility and the impact of their work on society.

· Historical context: The development of cryptography is closely related to government and military interests, especially in surveillance and intelligence collection.

· Monitoring and Control: Modern Cryptography work often indirectly supports monitoring and control systems, which may conflict with the values of privacy and civil liberties.

· Public Goods: Cryptographers should be committed to contributing to public goods, developing technologies that protect individual privacy and resist authoritarianism.

· Political Participation: Rogaway encourages cryptographers to participate in politics and consider the broader social impact of their research.

Rogaway advocates for a paradigm shift in cryptography and encourages researchers to adopt a more socially conscious approach. This not only requires following the technical aspects, but also actively participating in discussions on the ethical and political aspects of their work.

Despite the significant influence of Rogaway's paper, the ethical challenges in the academic cryptography community have hardly changed, including the International Association for Cryptologic Research (IACR), which still lacks formal ethical guidance.

The essence of cryptography is inherently interdisciplinary - but whether it is rooted in mathematics, computer science, or engineering, it has sparked people's ethical questioning. Karst and Slegers [8]Emphasized the ethical diversity of cryptography education across departments and the necessity of common ethical standards.

In contrast, some departments exhibit a more explicit ethical framework than others. For example, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) maintains detailed codes of ethics and professional conduct, including guidelines on honesty, privacy, and social responsibility.[1]And the American Mathematical Society (AMS) and the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) provide more general guidance on ethical behavior [2,9]. In fact, we can say that the code of conduct simply (and very vaguely) touches on ethical issues:

"The MAA requires directors, officers, members, persons remunerated by the MAA and those who contribute their time, and all employees to adhere to high standards of business and personal ethics in the performance of their duties and responsibilities."[9]

When mathematical work may affect public health, safety, or welfare, mathematicians have a responsibility to disclose the impact of their work to employers and the public when necessary.[2]

It is worth noting that the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) lacks formal ethical standards. Another important cryptography organization, IACR, although focused on cryptography, also lacks a comprehensive ethical statement. Given the profound intersection of cryptography with political and social issues, this gap is shocking.

Philosophical Discussion on Ethics and Morality

Due to differences in its philosophical nature and interpretations in literature, it is difficult to define what ethics is. Ethics involves issues such as morality, values, the correctness and incorrectness of behavior, and principles that guide individual or collective behavior. It studies what constitutes good and bad behavior, how individuals should act in various situations, and the reasons behind moral judgments.[11]。

As a community rooted in mathematics and computer science, the cryptographic community values precise definitions and rigorous reasoning. However, ethical reasoning provides a path to more formalized definitions. It involves constructing arguments supported by sound evidence and conclusions, aimed at achieving accuracy and logical coherence.

"Our moral thinking should have two complementary goals: to act rightly, and to be able to support our views with perfect reasoning. We want the truth, whether it is the initial assumptions we make about problems or the final conclusions we arrive at. But we also want to ensure that our views are supported by sufficient and sound reasons. This provides two criteria for good moral reasoning: first, we must avoid false beliefs; second, our moral thinking must be rigorous and error-free." [11, Chapter 1, page 10]

The debate about the ethics of cryptography revolves around balancing the enhancement of technical capabilities with the ethical consequences of such advancements. Cryptographers must navigate complex ethical territories, where their work can both protect individual privacy and enable surveillance. The ethical dimensions of cryptographic work require a reflective approach, considering how cryptographic tools and technologies influence societal norms and values. This debate is not only academic but also has real-world implications, affecting policy decisions and shaping the future of privacy and security in the digital age. Addressing these ethical issues requires ongoing dialogue among technical experts, ethicists, policy-makers, and the public to ensure that advancements in cryptography align with broader societal interests.

In other words, the lack of behavioral norms and ethical standards in the field may harm its future development, especially when it attracts scientists from different backgrounds and ages. We cannot assume that everyone will inherently follow the ethical norms of this field. However, establishing clear ethical norms can ensure that the statements of academic associations are more accurate and consistent, and that their statutes are consistent with broader principles of scientific integrity and ethics.

Cryptography, Anarchism and the Future

As mentioned in the third section, the Cypherpunk manifesto and anarchism show significant similarities. The relationship between cryptography and anarchism is rooted in their common emphasis on privacy, personal freedom, and resistance to centralized control. Key intersections include:

· Privacy and Individual Autonomy: Anarchists advocate for individual autonomy and privacy, opposing any form of control or surveillance by the state or other centralized authorities. Cryptography technology enables individuals to maintain their privacy and autonomy in the digital age.

· Resist centralised control: Anarchism opposes centralised control and hierarchical structures, advocating Decentralization and voluntary association. Cryptography supports Decentralization systems by enabling secure peer-to-peer communication and transactions without relying on centralised institutions.

· Empower Individuals: Anarchists aim to empower individuals by dismantling oppressive systems and achieving autonomy and mutual aid. Cryptography tools enable individuals to protect their data and communications, allowing them to control their digital presence and interactions.

· Anonymity and Pseudonymity: Anonymity can be a strategy for anarchist to protect themselves from state repression and organize without fear of retaliation. Cryptographic technologies such as Tor and anonymous cryptocurrencies provide Anonymity and Pseudonymity, allowing individuals to operate without revealing their identities.

· Philosophical Foundation: The philosophical foundation of Anarchism includes a firm belief in individual freedom, non-coercion, and skepticism of authority. The Cypherpunk movement advocates the use of cryptography to achieve privacy and security, sharing similar philosophical values.

· Historical Background: Throughout history, Anarchists have often used secret communication methods to avoid being discovered and suppressed. The development of modern cryptographic technology is partly driven by the desire to protect individuals and groups from the encroachment of authoritarian regimes.

From these key points, cryptography is obviously a key tool to achieve various anarchist goals. Cryptographic methods are tailored to meet specific needs within the anarchist framework, such as ensuring secure communication channels, protecting the identities of activists, and promoting Decentralization collaboration. By implementing private and secure interactions, cryptography can help anarchists resist surveillance and maintain operational security. This empowering technology enables the practical application of anarchist principles, creating an environment where Decentralization and voluntary associations can thrive without external interference.

However, in recent years, the values that once supported the development of cryptographic currencies seem to have been overshadowed by the pursuit of economic interests. While the rise of cryptographic currencies initially aligned with the ideals of Decentralization and financial autonomy, it is now increasingly dominated by speculative interests and profit motives. This shift towards monetization may damage the ethical foundation of cryptography and divert attention from its potential to protect privacy and empower individuals. The community must remember the original values outlined by Cypherpunk and strive to balance innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring that the pursuit of profit does not overshadow the commitment to privacy and individual freedom.

Since the introduction of the Diffie-Hellman Secret Key exchange protocol, cryptography has undergone significant changes. Initially, cryptography was a highly academic and scientific field focused on theoretical advancements and knowledge pursuit. However, over time, it has evolved into a business domain, with companies using cryptographic technology to develop and sell products. This commercialization has shifted the focus from academic exploration to market-driven solutions, often prioritizing profit over the ethical and scientific values that originally guided the field. For the cryptography community, it is crucial to regain its academic roots and reaffirm its commitment to scientific rigor and ethical responsibility. We need to re-focus on several key academic aspects of cryptography. While standardization processes and secure implementations are important, should they consume all our attention? Shouldn't there be a future for exploring new attacks and developing alternative cryptographic schemes?

The intersection of cryptography and anarchism reveals a profound consistency in their core values such as privacy, individual freedom, and resistance to centralized control. By exploring these connections in detail, we can better understand the role of cryptographic technology in advancing these principles and addressing emerging ethical challenges. Ongoing dialogue and collaboration between technical experts, ethicists, and activists are crucial to ensuring that cryptographic progress contributes to the establishment of a more free and just society.

Another key point is the increasing distance between the academic focus in our field and the concept of 'non-profit'. Shouldn't our primary goal be the advancement of knowledge? When did we lose focus and let large tech companies dominate our conferences? For example, how can a student without a large amount of funding afford to attend a conference in a city like Zurich, with registration fees of about 450 euros, plus hotel and travel expenses? Although subsidies provide some solutions, wouldn't it be better to choose a more affordable location to allow for broader participation? When did we become so elitist that we cannot hold conferences in less well-known but more economical cities? This shift to high-cost locations limits accessibility and inclusivity, which runs counter to the fundamental values of academic and scientific exploration.