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Anonymous (hacker group)

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File:AnonymousDemotivator.jpg
A satirical motivational poster, displaying a tagline highlighting the pervasive black comedy of the Anonymous subculture.

The self-styled Anonymous (used as a mass noun) are the multitude of visitors to various websites and forums. The name "Anonymous" is taken from the anonymity under which users post images and comments. It is generally considered as a blanket term – not tied to any monolithic group – for members of the Internet culture.[1] Unlike most organizations, Anonymous does not have a hierarchical structure or leader. Instead the group relies on individuals to contribute of their own will.[2]

A widespread introduction to the group began with Project Chanology, a protest against the scams and corruption within the Church of Scientology. The most visible element of the protest were mass protests at many Church sites worldwide on 10 February 2008[3] and subsequent protests on 15 March 2008.[3]

Several mottos are closely associated with Anonymous:
"We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget."[4][5]
"Anonymous: Because none of us are as cruel as all of us."
"Anonymous is not your personal army."

Early activities

KTTV Fox 11 news report

On July 26, 2007, KTTV Fox 11 News based in Los Angeles, California aired a report on Anonymous, calling them a group of "hackers on steroids", "domestic terrorists", and collectively an "Internet hate machine". The report covered an attack on a MySpace user, who claimed to have had his MySpace account "hacked" into by Anonymous, and plastered with images of gay pornography. The MySpace user also claimed a virus written by Anonymous hackers was sent to him and to ninety friends on his MySpace contact list, crashing thirty-two of his friends' computers. The report featured an unnamed former "hacker" who had fallen out with Anonymous and explained his view of the Anonymous culture. In addition, the report also mentioned "raids" on Habbo Hotel, a "national campaign to spoil the new Harry Potter book ending", and threats to "bomb sports stadiums".[6]

The following day, Wired News blogger and journalist Ryan Singel derided the Fox report, stating that the "hacker group" in fact consisted of "supremely bored 15-year olds", and that the news report was "by far the funniest prank anyone on the board has ever pulled off".[7] In February 2008, an Australia-based Today Tonight broadcast included a segment of the Fox report, preceded by the statement: "The Church of Scientology has ramped up the offensive against Anonymous, accusing the group of religious bigotry and claiming they are sick, twisted souls."[8]

Anonymous Assists Arrest of Chris Forcand

On December 7, 2007, the Canada-based Toronto Sun newspaper published a report on the arrest of the alleged Internet predator Chris Forcand. Forcand, 53, was charged with two counts of luring a child under the age of 14, attempt to invite sexual touching, attempt exposure, possessing a dangerous weapon, and carrying a concealed weapon.[9] The report stated that Forcand was already being tracked by "cyber-vigilantes who seek to out anyone who presents with a sexual interest in children" before police investigations commenced.[10] A Global News report identified the group responsible for Forcand's arrest as a "self-described Internet vigilant group called Anonymous" who contacted the police after some members were "propositioned" by Forcand with "disgusting photos of himself". The report also stated that this is the first time a suspected Internet predator was arrested by the police as a result of Internet vigilantism.[11]

Project Chanology

Main article: Project Chanology
See also: Scientology and the Internet
Protest by 'Anonymous' against the practices and tax status of the Church of Scientology.

The group gained worldwide press for Project Chanology, the protest against the Church of Scientology.[12] On January 16, 2008, a video produced by the Church of Scientology featuring an interview with Tom Cruise was leaked to the Internet and uploaded to YouTube.[13][14] The Church of Scientology issued a copyright violation claim against YouTube requesting the removal of the video.[15] In response to this, Anonymous formulated Project Chanology.[16][17][18][19] Calling the action by the Church of Scientology a form of Internet censorship, members of Project Chanology organized a series of denial-of-service attacks against Scientology websites, prank calls, and black faxes to Scientology centers.[20] On January 21, 2008, Anonymous announced its goals and intentions via a video posted to YouTube entitled "Message to Scientology", and a press release declaring a "War on Scientology" against both the Church of Scientology and the Religious Technology Center.[19][21][22] In the press release, the group states that the attacks against the Church of Scientology will continue in order to protect the right to freedom of speech, and end what they believe to be the financial exploitation of church members.[23] A new video "Call to Action" appeared on YouTube on January 28, 2008, calling for protests outside Church of Scientology centers on February 10, 2008.[24][25]

On February 2, 2008, 150 people gathered outside of a Church of Scientology center in Orlando, Florida to protest the organization's practices.[26][27][28][29] Small protests were also held in Santa Barbara, California,[30] and Manchester, England.[31][27] On February 10, 2008, about 7,000 people protested in more than 93 cities worldwide.[32][33] Cities with turnouts of one hundred or more protesters included Dublin, Ireland, Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas and Austin, Texas, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, Toronto, Canada, Clearwater, Florida, St. Louis, Missouri, New York City and London, England.[34] Many protesters wore masks based on the character V from V for Vendetta (who in turn was influenced by Guy Fawkes), or otherwise disguised their identities, in part to protect themselves from reprisals from the Church of Scientology.[2][35] Members of Anonymous have collectively stated the next protest will be on March 15.[36]


References

  1. ^ Jessica Parral and James Clark (2008-02-21). "Internet Group Takes Action Against Scientology". City on a Hill Press (student newspaper). University of California, Santa Cruz. Retrieved 2008-02-21.
  2. ^ a b Harrison, James (The State News) (February 12, 2008). "Scientology protestors take action around world". Retrieved 2008-02-14. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ a b Sarno, David (2008-02-10). "'Anonymous' takes anti-Scientology to the streets". Los Angeles Times: Web Scout. Retrieved 2008-02-11. Cite error: The named reference "LAT" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  4. ^ "LA Scientology Protest Held On Sunset Boulevard". KNBC.com. KNBC. 2008-02-10. Retrieved 2008-02-13. {{cite news}}: External link in |work= (help)
  5. ^ Shanahan, Leo (2008-02-10). "Hackers declare Scientology D-day". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2008-02-13.
  6. ^ Phil Shuman (investigative reporter) (2007-07-26). "FOX 11 Investigates: 'Anonymous'". MyFOX Los Angeles. KTTV (FOX). Retrieved 2007-08-11. {{cite news}}: External link in |work= (help)
  7. ^ Ryan Singel (2007-07-27). "Investigative Report Reveals Hackers Terrorize the Internet for LULZ". Wired News. CondéNet, Inc. Retrieved 2008-02-23. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  8. ^ Bryan Seymour (reporter) (2008-02-11). "Anonymous takes Scientology war to streets" (newscast). Today Tonight. Seven Network. Retrieved 2008-02-20. {{cite news}}: External link in |author= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Constable George Schuurman, Public Information, for Detective Constable Janelle Blackadar, Sex Crimes Unit (2007-12-06). "Man facing six charges in Child Exploitation investigation, Photograph released, Chris Forcand, 53" (PDF). News Release. Toronto Police Service. Retrieved 2008-02-25.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Jonathan Jenkins (2007-12-07). "Man trolled the web for girls: cops". CANOE. Toronto Sun. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
  11. ^ Gus Kim (reporter) (2007-12-08). "Internet Justice?". Global News. CanWest Global Communications. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); External link in |author= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ Richards, Johnathan (The Times) (January 25, 2008). "Hackers Declare War on Scientology: A shadowy Internet group has succeeded in taking down a Scientology Web site after effectively declaring war on the church and calling for it to be destroyed". FOX News. FOX News Network, LLC. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  13. ^ Warne, Dan (January 24, 2008). "Anonymous threatens to "dismantle" Church of Scientology via internet". APC Magazine. National Nine News. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  14. ^ KNBC Staff (January 24, 2008). "Hacker Group Declares War On Scientology: Group Upset Over Church's Handling Of Tom Cruise Video". KNBC. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  15. ^ Vamosi, Robert (January 24, 2008). "Anonymous hackers take on the Church of Scientology". CNET News. CNET Networks, Inc. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  16. ^ George-Cosh, David (January 25, 2008). "Online group declares war on Scientology". National Post. Canwest Publishing Inc. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  17. ^ Singel, Ryan (January 23, 2008). "War Breaks Out Between Hackers and Scientology -- There Can Be Only One". Wired. CondéNet, Inc. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  18. ^ Feran, Tom (January 24, 2008). "Where to find the Tom Cruise Scientology videos online, if they're still posted". The Plain Dealer. Newhouse Newspapers. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  19. ^ a b Chan Enterprises (January 21, 2008). "Internet Group Declares "War on Scientology": Anonymous are fighting the Church of Scientology and the Religious Technology Center" (PDF). Press Release. PRLog.Org. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ "Anonymous Versus Scientology: Cyber Criminals or Vigilante Justice?". The Legality. 2008-02-06. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ Thomas, Nicki (January 25, 2008). "Scientology and the internet: Internet hackers attack the church". Edmonton Sun. Sun Media. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  22. ^ Dodd, Gareth (Editor) (January 25, 2008). "Anonymous hackers vow to "dismantle" Scientology". Xinhua News Agency. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite news}}: |first= has generic name (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ Brandon, Mikhail (January 28, 2008). "Scientology in the Crosshairs". The Emory Wheel. Emory University. Retrieved 2008-01-31. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  24. ^ Feran, Tom (January 31, 2008). "The group Anonymous calls for protests outside Scientology centers - New on the Net". The Plain Dealer. Newhouse Newspapers. Retrieved 2008-02-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  25. ^ Vamosi, Robert (January 28, 2008). "Anonymous names February 10 as its day of action against Scientology". CNET News. CNET Networks, Inc. Retrieved 2008-01-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  26. ^ Braiker, Brian (February 8, 2008). "The Passion of 'Anonymous': A shadowy, loose-knit consortium of activists and hackers called 'Anonymous' is just the latest thorn in Scientology's side". Newsweek. Newsweek, Inc. pp. Technology: Newsweek Web Exclusive. Retrieved 2008-02-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  27. ^ a b Barkham, Patrick (February 4, 2008). "Hackers declare war on Scientologists amid claims of heavy-handed Cruise control". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 2008-02-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  28. ^ Staff (February 3, 2008). "Group Lines Road To Protest Church Of Scientology". WKMG-TV. Internet Broadcasting Systems and Local6.com. Retrieved 2008-02-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  29. ^ Eckinger, Helen (February 3, 2008). "Anti-Scientology group has protest rally". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2008-02-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ Standifer, Tom (February 4, 2008). "Masked Demonstrators Protest Against Church of Scientology". Daily Nexus. University of California, Santa Barbara. pp. Issue 69, Volume 88. Retrieved 2008-02-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ Eber, Hailey (February 4, 2008). "Anti-Scientologists Warm Up for February 10". Radar Online. Radar Magazine. Retrieved 2008-02-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ Carlos Moncada (2008-02-12). "Organizers Tout Scientology Protest, Plan Another". TBO.com. Retrieved 2008-02-13.
  33. ^ Andrew Ramadge (2008-02-14). "Scientology protest surge crashes websites". News.com.au. News Limited. Retrieved 2008-02-14.
  34. ^ For a fully-sourced list of the February 10 protest sites and press coverage, refer to Template:Project Chanology protests, February 10 2008.
  35. ^ Forrester, John (2008-02-11). "Dozens of masked protesters blast Scientology church". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-02-15. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  36. ^ "Anti-Scientology Group Predicts Thousands Will Protest Churches". KNTV. Retrieved 2008-02-11.

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Audio/video media

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