Anonymous (hacker group): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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The self-styled '''Anonymous''' (used as a [[mass noun]]) is a label and [[Internet meme]] adopted within [[Internet culture]], especially on the web site [[4chan]], to represent the actions of [[Internet]] users acting anonymously toward a given agenda. The term is used in phrases such as "We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget."<ref name=FOXN />

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> On September 2, 2008, [[Variety Magazine]] stated that Anonymous contained "about 9000 people".<ref>http://www.variety.com/VR1117991469.html</ref>

==Etymology==