To be short about this, yes I was. But I can’t really say that I am proud of it.

The group reached out to me back in 2012 If I was interested to join after I got noticed for my skills as a hacker. Before I could join I had to complete assignments which they gave to me. Hacking assignments of course. I joined the group after completing all assignments successfully within 4 days whilst they gave me 10 days to complete them all.

A successful collaboration you may assume. But I got exposed and kicked out by the group in 2016 because I critized many of their assignments and misleading information which they published. If you do the opposite of what you stand for, or you are only willing to show the public your ‘good’ deeds, you are extremely hypocrite. I cannot deal, nor do I want to be associated, with hypocrites.

While Anonymous has been recognized for its activism and digital interventions, it is essential to address the negative aspects and controversial actions associated with the collective. While their motives may vary, some of the actions undertaken by Anonymous have crossed ethical boundaries and caused harm. This article aims to shed light on some of the negative aspects and questionable deeds attributed to Anonymous, highlighting the complexities and dualities of their presence in the digital landscape.

1. Cyberattacks and Vigilantism:

Anonymous has been involved in various cyberattacks, targeting websites, organizations, and individuals. While they often claim to act in the name of justice, their actions can sometimes cause significant disruptions and collateral damage. These cyberattacks range from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, defacement of websites, and releasing sensitive personal information (doxing). While their targets may include entities engaged in wrongdoing, the means employed by Anonymous are often questionable and can lead to unintended consequences.

2. Lack of Accountability and Ethics:

Due to its decentralized nature, Anonymous lacks a formal hierarchy or structure, leading to a lack of accountability and ethical oversight. While this freedom allows for independent action, it also enables individuals within the collective to engage in malicious activities under the guise of Anonymous. This lack of accountability has led to instances where individuals have used the Anonymous banner to settle personal vendettas, engage in harassment, or spread misinformation, tarnishing the group’s reputation as a whole.

3. False Accusations and Misinformation:

Anonymous has been associated with spreading false accusations and misinformation, primarily through social media platforms. While they have played a role in exposing some truths, their anonymous nature can make it difficult to verify the accuracy of the information they share. This can lead to the propagation of rumors, baseless allegations, and the potential for reputational damage to innocent individuals or organizations.

4. Unintended Consequences and Collateral Damage:

Anonymous’s actions, even when motivated by good intentions, can have unintended consequences and cause collateral damage. This is particularly true when they engage in large-scale operations targeting governments, corporations, or public figures. The disruption caused by cyberattacks or the release of sensitive information can harm innocent individuals, disrupt critical services, or inadvertently expose vulnerable populations to further harm.

5. Erosion of Legitimate Activism:

The controversial actions of some individuals claiming affiliation with Anonymous have cast a shadow over legitimate activism efforts. By engaging in activities that cross legal and ethical boundaries, Anonymous risks diminishing the credibility of genuine grassroots movements. This erosion of trust can hinder progress on important social and political issues and make it more challenging for legitimate activists to effect meaningful change.

Conclusion:

While Anonymous has engaged in activities that have brought attention to important issues and raised awareness, it is crucial to acknowledge the negative aspects and questionable deeds associated with the collective. Cyberattacks, lack of accountability, spreading misinformation, unintended consequences, and erosion of legitimate activism are among the concerns that arise from the actions of Anonymous. And specifically the ones I questioned the most. As society grapples with the complexities of digital activism, it is essential to critically evaluate the impact and ethical implications of these activities to ensure a balanced and responsible approach to effecting meaningful change, because, If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.