Cyberactivism in Syria: Emergence, Transformation, Potentials, and Limitations

Abstract

The rise of the cyber domain and social media platforms has profoundly impacted the socio-political landscape in Syria, enabling cyber-activism to emerge as a potent force against authoritarian regimes. This qualitative research examines the evolution, impact, and challenges Syrian cyberactivists face, drawing from professional reports, interviews, and scholarly literature. While online platforms empower activists by facilitating mobilization and information dissemination, activists also face significant obstacles, including surveillance, censorship, and cyberattacks within a statecontrolled digital environment. Despite these challenges, cyber-activism in Syria played a crucial role in shaping narratives, fostering solidarity, challenging the regime, influencing international perceptions, and highlighting the transformative potential of the cyber domain in repressive contexts.

Keywords

• cyberactivism
• hacktivist
• syria
• cyber conflict
• arap spring