Denial of Justice

The collective of hackers known as Anonymous has claimed responsibility for cyber attacks that had taken down the websites of the US Department of Justice as well as those of several entertainment companies. Personal information about one company’s chairman was also posted online.

The attacks happened hours after authorities shut down Megaupload.com, a site that’s notorious for illegal media downloads.

Although the attacked sites were up again within hours, Anonymous had tweeted a statement of continued defiance: “One thing is certain: EXPECT US!”

There’s no doubt that we should fight when our liberties are threatened. But Anonymous’s actions seem more like vengeful vandalism.

With governments now aiming their cannons against piracy, our online freedoms are facing rough seas. And Anonymous may end up rocking the boat – tossing some of us overboard.