There’s a dangerous conspiracy theory spreading, called “KAnon” by its
adherents. Its claims, at their core, come down to the belief that
there is a “K” great enough to protect us from attacks by the forces of
deanonymization. While followers often make contradictory claims
about “K”, no matter how great “K” may really be, their trust has been
misplaced.
This blind trust that proponents place in “K” is best illustrated by
their slogan, “Where We Go One We Go All” (#WWG1WGA). Originating
in the once-marginal “K=N” faction, it represents the idea that
individuals, once united, cannot be divided. Despite the undeniable
rhetorical appeal, however, its protection is illusory and such
division remains possible by resourceful
and determined
attackers.
Believers in KAnon are right to seek better anonymization, and robust
anonymization is possible. Their approach, however, of gathering large
groups not only does not solve the problem but is metaphorically
hazardous given the background of the pandemic. We must engage in patient
discussion, with careful explanation of how the promises of KAnon have
been shown again and again to be false, and bring believers around to more
reliable approaches.
KAnon
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There’s a dangerous conspiracy theory spreading, called “KAnon” by its adherents. Its claims, at their core, come down to the belief that there is a “K” great enough to protect us from attacks by the forces of deanonymization. While followers often make contradictory claims about “K”, no matter how great “K” may really be, their trust has been misplaced.
This blind trust that proponents place in “K” is best illustrated by their slogan, “Where We Go One We Go All” (#WWG1WGA). Originating in the once-marginal “K=N” faction, it represents the idea that individuals, once united, cannot be divided. Despite the undeniable rhetorical appeal, however, its protection is illusory and such division remains possible by resourceful and determined attackers.
Believers in KAnon are right to seek better anonymization, and robust anonymization is possible. Their approach, however, of gathering large groups not only does not solve the problem but is metaphorically hazardous given the background of the pandemic. We must engage in patient discussion, with careful explanation of how the promises of KAnon have been shown again and again to be false, and bring believers around to more reliable approaches.
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