On Anonymous
Gabriella Coleman has published an interesting analysis of the hacker group Anonymous:
Abstract: Since 2010, digital direct action, including leaks, hacking and mass protest, has become a regular feature of political life on the Internet. The source, strengths and weakness of this activity are considered in this paper through an in-depth analysis of Anonymous, the protest ensemble that has been adept at magnifying issues, boosting existing usually oppositional movements and converting amorphous discontent into a tangible form. This paper, the third in the Internet Governance Paper Series, examines the intersecting elements that contribute to Anonymous’ contemporary geopolitical power: its ability to land media attention, its bold and recognizable aesthetics, its participatory openness, the misinformation that surrounds it and, in particular, its unpredictability.
Dalo • October 3, 2013 8:21 AM
I’d say that’s a fairly accurate portrayal of anons. It does miss a few segments of its history such as the demonization of Anonymous even when they do objectively morally good acts (Take a look at what is happening with KYAnonymous a.k.a. Derek Lostutter). The guy who outed the Stubenville rapists is being hounded by the FBI who is trying to levy charges against him multitudes worse than those levied against the rapists. The name Anonymous has become such a boogyman that the Feds seem to want to destroy anyone who associates with them.