Abstract
Since the 1980s, Dutch volunteer hackers have been identifying and disclosing vulnerabilities in computer systems. Initially criminalized, these hackers now play a crucial role in Dutch cybersecurity governance. This article explores the transformation of hackers from criminals to crucial participants and examines what this case reveals about citizen participation in the digital age. The case study demonstrates that citizens can play a pivotal role in addressing challenges posed by digitization, although their contributions can remain unrecognized and constrained by hostile institutions. This article aims to deepen the understanding of various forms of citizen participation in digital society, how institutions can support or constrain them, and how citizens play a central role in shaping these institutions to legitimize their participation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 8876 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | Social Inclusion |
| Volume | 13 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 11 Mar 2025 |
Funding
This research was supported by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) [410.19.004]. Publication of this article in open access was made possible through the institutional membership agreement between the Eindhoven University of Technology and Cogitatio Press.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek | 410.19.004 |
Keywords
- cybersecurity
- digitization
- material participation
- technological citizenship
- uninvited participation
- volunteer hackers
