TL;DR

DEF CON has added three individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein's network to its list of banned attendees. Emails indicate these men were involved in networking and business interests with Epstein throughout the decade.

What happened

Cybersecurity conference DEF CON blacklisted three men mentioned in the Epstein files, barring them from future events due to their connections with the sex offender during the 2010s, despite no criminal accusations against them.

Why it matters for ops

This move highlights the tension between transparency and ethical considerations in event management. It reflects a proactive stance on reputation risk management and community integrity.

Action items

  • Review attendee background checks to ensure comprehensive vetting processes
  • Update policies regarding exclusion criteria for events
  • Engage with stakeholders to communicate decisions transparently

Source link

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/02/19/def_con_epstein_bans/