http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/12/who_are_those_anonymous_wikile.html
I will be the first to admit that in the hustle and bustle that is college life I have recently been lacking in keeping up with the news. I try, I skim, I tweet… but really, let’s be honest-- how is reading a few tweets from major and local news organizations really staying updated on the latest information? That has recently begun to change, though.
Recently headlines regarding the latest Wikileaks fiasco have caught my attention. I was even able to speak with a German citizen who is very involved in German politics and works with some of the politicians. The wonder as to why someone from America would release such damaging information about America itself is simply beyond me.
That is where this article, “Who Are Those ‘Anonymous’ WikiLeak Hacktivists?” caught my eye. The article, written by Natasha Tiku from The Daily Intel at New York Magazine, goes into detail about the self-appointed group who were behind the attacks of companies, such as Visa and MasterCard, who stopped serving WikiLeaks. This group of supposedly around 1,000 people “with no command structure, who come together when the spirit moves them” is made up of an unlikely group. “Ranks are mostly filled with teenagers, but there are also ‘parents, IT professionals and people who happen to have time - and resources - on their hands,’ says the Guardian.”
A spokesman from the group explained the reasoning behind the actions taken today.
“Anonymous is supporting WikiLeaks not because we agree or disagree with the data that is being sent out, but we disagree with any from of censorship on the internet. If we let WikiLeaks fall without a fight then governments will think they can just take down any sites they wish or disagree with.”
The article goes on to explain how the biggest worry of Americans was that our National Security would be compromised via Internet hackings and well; this is proving to be true.
My biggest wonder about all of the articles pertaining to the WikiLeaks and this one in particular is how Americans could see any of this as being right or patriotic in any way. They even admit that they are in fact breaking the law, but think it’s OK because they are exercising their right to post things on the Internet and do not want to see an Internet that is censored by the government.
The question that comes into play here is whether or not this is really “censorship” by our government or them protecting our country and their information. It sounds to me as though it is more of a protection move rather than censorship, but this idea seems to have many followers and they are continually growing in number. The statement at the end of this article sums up things quite well, which is something I love about New York Magazine.
“Remember when the all the crowing about hacking being our biggest threat to national security seemed overblown? The Internet won this round. Governments, your move.”
*Posted for credit for JRN215
