Last night at 7pm, internet activists Anonymous hit a heap of government websites in a DoS attack in order to protest their planned internet filter. And according to Duncan Riley at The Inquisitr, they even succeeded in taking down pm.gov.au for a little bit.
Among the demands by Anonymous before the attack last night were the immediate end to filtering plans, as well as the dismissal of Senator Conroy. So far neither has happened.
I’m not sure I understand the logic behind this kind of action. Even if Anonymous were successful in permanently crippling all the government’s public websites, it’s not likely to change the government’s mind on the matter of internet filtering. By all means voice your opposition to the plans – loudly – but by using illegal methods you instantly render your opinion null and void – at least in the eyes of the law.
Still, I wouldn’t expect this to be the end of this little battle…
[09-09-2009.org via The Inquisitr]
Drew
September 10, 2009 at 2:52 PM
im for anonymous, governments dont usually listen to the people so this actions seems reasonable.
why would we want to go backwards in regards to the internet, slow processes, destroy our economy?
there are already patriotical acts in place in Australia where by police can search you, your property without warrents, take you into custody for no reason, tell nobody you have been arrested…
Report PermalinkLakshan
September 10, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Yeah, I always wear a tinfoil hat in case they scan my brainwaves without a warrent.
Report PermalinkJonny
September 10, 2009 at 9:48 PM
Joke all you want mate, but the fact is they have developed technology that does in fact read your brain waves, facial expressions etc. Wait 20-40 years and see how many freedoms you have left. You won’t be joking then….
Report PermalinkJB
September 10, 2009 at 3:44 PM
While I’m 100% against the filter plan, actions like this are not going to help.
Report PermalinkI’m sure the government PR department are already spinning this stunt into a pro-filter argument.
MDolley
September 10, 2009 at 3:46 PM
The real problem with the filter is that once it is in place we are likely to be stuck with it. I can’t see any PM saying that they are going to remove the internet filter that the previous government implemented to “protect the children”
People should head to http://getup.org and sign the petition. The only way to change the mind of a polition is to show them that there are more votes in the alternative.
Report PermalinkMatt
September 10, 2009 at 3:53 PM
The problem with this action is that it’s going to have the opposite effect. Attacking a Government website is just going to give them more ammunition to justify the web filter…even if the technicalities are bogus.
Never let the truth get in the way of a good story, eh Sen. Conroy?
Report PermalinkJakePT
September 10, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Idiots, this is likely to have the opposite effect they want!
Report Permalinkdiabz
September 10, 2009 at 4:31 PM
They are a little misguided, but their main objective- publicity- was realised with their first attack. I hope somebody takes notice though, as it’s probably only the beginning of what they’re capable of doing.
Report PermalinkJames Mac
September 10, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Cue the:
This is just one more example, Mr Speaker, of the desperate need for an effective internet censor.
An ideal filter, Mr Speaker, would not only have prevented such an attack… but allowed us to locate these malicious vandals before they did further damage to the vital infrastructure.
Infrastructure, Mr Speaker, that the hard working battlers of our great nation… pay their taxes to provide.
etc. speach
Report PermalinkTim
September 13, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Well said, James.
Report Permalinkdonkey-hotey
September 10, 2009 at 5:48 PM
This sort of behaviour doesn’t surprise me that much when people were simply told that an internet censorship plan was going to be enforced. With a choice of “Its an internet filter or you approve of child pornography” it’s a slippery slope downwards.
Report PermalinkDizz
September 10, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Why don’t they just hijack and post kiddie porn, thereby blacklisting the pm.gov.au.
Report PermalinkA Muffin
July 29, 2011 at 4:49 PM
Dizz, the issue with your idea is that although Anon is trying to prove a point, they a fighting only for human rights, specifically the freedom of speech and choice. They have been known for revealing people who are involved in this industry.
Report PermalinkAndrew Mills
September 10, 2009 at 7:49 PM
I doubt it will have any effect. You can’t please everyone, I’m not for the filter but I’m sure there are those out there who are.
Report PermalinkDavid Anderton
September 11, 2009 at 2:51 AM
Dizz that is a friggin great idea!
Report PermalinkSteve
November 25, 2010 at 1:47 PM
Fight stupidity with stupidity, I say!
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