Hackerspaces in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Between Technical Innovation and Political Responsibility

• Hackerspaces in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, such as Port39 in Stralsund and Hacklabor in Schwerin, are navigating a challenging political landscape amid rising right-wing influence.
• Members view these spaces as "third spaces" that foster democratic values through knowledge sharing, digital education, and community engagement.
• Groups are increasingly moving beyond technical projects to address social and political issues, including surveillance, disinformation, and right-wing extremism.

Community Engagement and Political Stance

• Hackerspaces are actively positioning themselves against the far-right to support stable democratic structures.
• Activities include workshops on "digital self-defense," identifying "dog whistles" (hidden symbols in online chats), and public outreach regarding data privacy and state surveillance.
• Members work with schools and law enforcement on prevention programs, addressing issues like online racism and radicalization among youth.

Risks and Pressures

• Many of these organizations rely on non-profit status (Gemeinnützigkeit), which makes them vulnerable to political pressure and scrutiny from right-wing actors targeting their funding and activities.
• Conservative and far-right local politicians have labeled some cultural and hackerspace projects as political "agitation centers," creating long-term uncertainty regarding public funding and facilities.
• Despite these threats, members remain committed to maintaining these spaces as open forums for diverse perspectives, aiming to engage even those outside their typical political "bubbles."