WIRED has long been captivated by the concept of rogues since its inception in the early 1990s. The publication emerged from a desire to celebrate the disruptive potential of the internet and the innovative minds—hackers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers—who saw vast possibilities in a digitized world.
However, that fascination with rogues has also brought unforeseen consequences. The digital landscape has since become a breeding ground for malicious actors whose actions can jeopardize everything from public health to democratic integrity. Today, these rogue elements include influential tech billionaires who wield significant power, stretching from Silicon Valley to government corridors. While the original rogue spirit helped forge the internet and drive technological progress, its modern manifestation now poses risks threatening to undermine these same advancements—exemplified by figures in the crypto and cyber realms.
This edition of WIRED explores the many dimensions of contemporary rogue behavior. One feature by Matt Burgess delves into the network of cyber con artists known as Yahoo Boys in Nigeria, unveiling how a so-called “scam influencer” is guiding these individuals in executing advanced online scams targeting American citizens. In another piece, Andy Greenberg takes readers through a timeline of ghost guns, culminating in a tragic incident where a homemade firearm was allegedly used to kill a healthcare CEO, turning the accused into a notorious figure. A dramatic exploration by Evan Ratliff describes the disturbing case of the Zizians, a group allegedly responsible for six murders during their transformation into what is believed to be the world’s first AI-driven death cult.
These stories reflect the darker side of digital innovation—scam influencers, do-it-yourself firearms, and unsettling cults emerging from technology’s shadows. Nevertheless, WIRED maintains a commitment to uncovering not just the challenges but also the creative rebellions arising in our current climate. This issue highlights inspiring initiatives like Amber Scorah’s nonprofit organization, which facilitates safer information sharing for whistleblowers, and features Bluesky’s CEO Jay Graber discussing a vision for a more democratic social media landscape.
From this Rogues Issue, one key takeaway emerges: the term “rogue” should not be viewed solely as negative. While the current environment often appears filled with harmful actors holding influential positions, there is a compelling need for more positive rogues—those who question the status quo and strive for a better future. This is a call to action for individuals to embody the kind of disruptive spirit that can lead to meaningful change, a spirit WIRED wholeheartedly supports.
