Anonymous (hacker group): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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In 2008, specific actions were undertaken by specific group, groups, or organizations, also self-named as "Anonymous", and often associated with websites and [[internet chat|chat systems]] on the Internet. The general public's mass introduction to the group began with [[Project Chanology]], a protest against the [[Church of Scientology]]. The most visible element of the protest was mass protests of many Church sites worldwide, the first being held on [[February 10]] [[2008]].<ref name="LAT">{{cite news|last=Sarno|first=David |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/webscout/2008/02/protesters-asse.html|title='Anonymous' takes anti-Scientology to the streets|publisher=Los Angeles Times: Web Scout|date=2008-02-10|accessdate=2008-02-11}}</ref> Anonymous, as a protest group, lacks a visible hierarchical structure or leaders, instead relying on individuals to contribute to the group.<ref name="StateNews">{{cite news | last =Harrison | first =James (''[[The State News]]'') | coauthors = | title =Scientology protestors take action around world | pages = | language = | date =[[February 12]], [[2008]] | url =http://www.statenews.com/index.php/blog/entertainment/2008/02/internet_group_ | accessdate = 2008-02-14 }}</ref>

==Etymology==

The name "Anonymous" itself is taken from the perceived anonymity under which users post images and comments on the internet, as well as from various web forums, where "Anonymous" is the default name assigned to visitors who leave comments without self-identifying. It is generally considered as a blanket term – not tied to any monolithic group – for the ''[[vox populi]]'' or members of the Internet culture. <ref name="ParralFeb21">

{{cite news

|author=Jessica Parral and James Clark

|title=Internet Group Takes Action Against Scientology

|url=http://www.cityonahillpress.com/article.php?id=1050

|work=[[City on a Hill Press]] (student newspaper)

|publisher=[[University of California, Santa Cruz]]

|date=2008-02-21

|accessdate=2008-02-21

}}

</ref>

==Anonymous as a concept and meme==