[throwawayDC21]

There is nothing to mark them as feds, payments are in cash and everyone is in plain clothes. I think this will make very little difference to who attends.

It is also worth mentioning that Black Hat (the two days preceding DEF CON) has reportedly seen a drop in registrations due to lack of funding for federal employees to attend (I have no source for this other than industry rumor). There was a suggestion that some would still attend DEF CON and save on the registration cost for Black Hat, but many were planning to stay away anyway.

I feel that this is more public relations than anything else, the feds will still be there but DEF CON can present the image of being underground hackers fighting "the man". Some of the smartest people that I have met at these sort of events work for governments around the world, either directly or through private companies.

The reason the lines have blurred between the two groups over the past decade is as much to do with money as it is to do with diplomacy or a shared enemy. I think that this statement goes against one of the core values of DEF CON: that everyone is welcome, regardless of background or ability.

[eli]

It's definitely plausible. Slashed travel and conference budgets have been a major result of the sequester.

[corq]

A good number of the Feds seem to enjoy self-identifying. Many will still attend, but the chemistry will definitely be different.

[marshray]

My impression was that they enjoy drinking a lot and for many Defcon was the only time of year they got to go "under cover".

[mcantelon]

>everyone is welcome, regardless of background or ability

This year, in the spirit of inclusivity, they should bring in the lead architect of the Great Firewall of China.