DC151 Independence Manifesto: Our Path Forward
Who We Are
We are a community of security enthusiasts, hackers, and professionals formerly operating as a DefCon Group. For 7+ years, we have been dedicated to fostering knowledge sharing, skill development, and community building in the information security space.
Our Decision
Effective immediately, we are declaring our independence from the DefCon Groups program. This decision was not made lightly, but came after careful consideration of recent events that have underscored fundamental differences in our operational philosophies.
Why We're Making This Change
On May 3rd 2025, the DefCon Groups program announced significant changes to their operational structure, implementing them with "immediate effect" and without community consultation. While many of these changes were subsequently rolled back, this incident highlighted several concerns:
- Community Governance: We believe in transparent, collaborative decision-making processes that respect the autonomy of local groups.
- Stability and Trust: Our community relies on consistent policies and frameworks. Sudden, unilateral changes undermine the trust necessary for our work.
- Local Autonomy: We value the freedom to adapt our approach to our specific community's needs while maintaining alignment with broader ethical principles.
Acknowledging the DefCon Groups Board
We want to express our sincere appreciation for the DefCon Groups Board and their dedicated work over the years. We understand the complex challenges they face in managing a global network of security communities while maintaining the integrity and reputation of the DefCon brand. We recognize that:
- The Board operates with the best intentions to strengthen the security community
- Policy changes often stem from legitimate concerns and evolving circumstances
- Managing a diverse global community requires difficult decisions and compromises
We respect their commitment to the hacker community and acknowledge the significant positive impact the DefCon Groups program has had on countless individuals, including many in our own community. Our decision to become independent stems not from any animosity, but from a different vision of how local communities can best operate.
Our Values Moving Forward
As we chart our own course, we remain committed to:
- Openness: Maintaining transparent operations and communication
- Inclusivity: Creating welcoming spaces for all who share our passion for security
- Education: Continuing to provide high-quality learning opportunities
- Collaboration: Working with like-minded organizations and individuals
- Independence: Preserving our ability to determine our own direction
What This Means Practically
Our community will continue to meet monthly and engage in CTFs and other group activities. We will maintain relationships with other security communities while establishing new partnerships that align with our values.
Looking Forward
We remain grateful for the foundations built through our association with DefCon Groups and acknowledge the positive impact this relationship has had on our community. We look forward to continuing to contribute to the broader information security ecosystem, now as an independent entity.
Roachy, Laura and Glenn.
