👉 Holocaust computing refers to the use of computers and computational technology during the Holocaust, a period of genocide that occurred from 1933 to 1945. Despite the horrific context, some Jews and other persecuted groups employed computers and early computing technologies for various purposes. These included creating and disseminating propaganda, managing ghettos and concentration camps through data collection, and even developing encryption techniques to aid in resistance efforts. Notable examples include the use of the Enigma machine by some Allied codebreakers to decipher Nazi communications and the work of Jewish mathematicians at Bletchley Park, who contributed to breaking German codes. However, the primary focus of Holocaust computing was also on survival and resistance, with individuals using technology to maintain communication, organize aid, and preserve cultural heritage. This period highlights the dual nature of computing technology—its potential for both immense harm and profound good, even under extreme circumstances.
