Note: See an update to Anonymous that I just found today (7/19/11) After you read the story, read some of the comments. The authorities might think that what they’re doing is legal (arresting conspirators), but look at the reason listed on the search warrants: “allege that Anonymous members performed a distributed denial of service attack against PayPal”. No, it’s only because they’re protecting a company. What about protection of the country? I’m really beginning to see things from the hackers point of view (and it seems that there are others who agree)?!
(original post start from here)
If you’re a hacker from the group, Anonymous, then you’re feeling a little more unwanted at the moment. That’s because they’ve just been kicked out of Google+, and had all of their other Google accounts suspended as well. Needless to say, there’s a Marshal out there and he means business! I heard this first from a DesignTaxi tweet which lead to this story.
Activities have been pretty busy worldwide as the big hacking groups like Crazier, Anonymous, AntiSec, and even the defunct LulzSec, have impacted the operations of government and business computer systems worldwide with seeming ease and phenomenal skill. They are accomplishing what we citizens are trying to do through normal “legal” channels, and that’s to get officials to stop and think about what they’re doing to the rest of us. Of course, I don’t think that much reflection is actually happening in the upper echelons of power as they’re currently busy with many campaigns everywhere. But you have to see the irony in all of this, as we watch them scratch their heads in befuddlement. Those in power who have wielded control of data and information disbursement are now having their own data and information exposed to the harsh light of day. There’s no more “need to know” clause, because it doesn’t exist in the world of hacking. If you’re doing something against a free society, then they will find you. Even media moguls like Rupert Murdoch, who is having a really bad week so far, aren’t immune from their reach.
So, now that one of the biggest powers in social media has made them persona non grata, what will they do? Well, if you have infinite computer skills like these hackers do, then you’ll simply build your own social network. Hey, if Mark Zuckerberg can do it and acquire movie star status, then hackers should be able to do it with their eyes closed. It seems that there is nothing that will stop people who have a life mission. Whether you’re involved in developing a newly formed democratic nation like those fighting for their existence in Egypt and much of the Middle East, or a hacking group that disagrees with societal norms, a strong will can and will take you far. Developing stories around the world are pointing to some big changes for us all. Are we ready to accept the responsibility?
So, without further ado, we give you:
“This is our world now. The world of the electron and the switch; the beauty of the baud. We exist without nationality, skin color, or religious bias. You wage wars, murder, cheat, lie to us and try to make us believe it’s for our own good, yet we’re the criminals. Yes, I am a criminal. My crime is that of curiosity. I am a hacker, and this is my manifesto.” – excerpt from Hacker’s Manifesto
