DEF CON bans three Epstein-linked men from future events
The Register
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
DEF CON, the prominent cybersecurity conference, has banned three individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein through emails and business interactions over the past decade. Pablos Holman, Vincenzo Iozzo, and Joichi Ito were added to the banned list despite organizers clarifying that no criminal wrongdoing is alleged. The decision follows revelations from the Epstein files, which detail their professional ties to the disgraced financier.
Holman, a tech investor at Deep Future, was connected to Epstein as early as 2010 and introduced him to industry figures. Iozzo, CEO of SlashID, admitted regret for past associations with Epstein but denied any wrongdoing, stating his interactions were limited to business opportunities. Ito, a venture capitalist and former director at MIT’s Media Lab, was linked to Epstein through emails from 2013 to 2019, including discussions about funding and networking.
The bans reflect a growing scrutiny of individuals with ties to Epstein in the tech community. While DEF CON organizers emphasized that no crimes were committed, they stated the contacts with Epstein provided grounds for the decision. Critics argue the move may be performative, as none of the banned individuals were actively attending or influencing the conference. The incident highlights the tech industry’s increasing sensitivity to ethical concerns and public perception, particularly regarding high-profile figures like Epstein.
For readers in tech, this story underscores the evolving standards around accountability and transparency in professional networks. While the banned individuals maintain their innocence, the controversy raises questions about how past associations are evaluated in a world where online records persist indefinitely.
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Originally published on The Register on 2/19/2026