UK Police Arrest Five 'Anonymous' Hacker Suspects

Transcript by http://www.newsy.com


BY KELSEY WAANANEN


You're watching multisource global video news analysis from Newsy.


The hackers who came to the defense of Julian Assange, may need a pretty good defense team of their own. Five members of a group of cyber-hackers known as Anonymous is arrested in the U.K. -- suspected of having a role in a series of internet attacks aimed at big business called "Operation Payback." The Wall Street Journal has more of those attacks.

"...these arrests are related to what are called denial-of-service attacks. That's when a computer floods a server to prevent it displaying a webpage."

The Guardian reports, Anonymous is calling the arrests -- a sad mistake -- and says it is not to be taken lightly. Hardly a veiled threat.

"A statement purporting to be from Anonymous released last night warned the government that it was making a "sad mistake" in arresting the five men, and that the group considered it a 'serious declaration of war'."

The suspects are accused of violating the Computer Misuse Act, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. PCMag notes Anonymous finds the law 'ridiculous.'

"'Arresting somebody for taking part in a DDoS attack is exactly like arresting somebody for attending a peaceful demonstration in their hometown."

But ZDnet interviews computer law expert William Malcolm who says, this is exactly the kind of cyber-meddling the law has set out to stop.
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"'The Computer Misuse Act was effectively amended to take in denial-of-service attacks, by amendments to the Police and Justice Bill 2006.'"

And while the group may be outraged by the police, Gawker points out, it didn't take much grunt work to figure these guys out.

"Imagine a gang of diamond thieves plastering the Internet with slick advertisements for a new heist, inviting anyone to participate, no questions asked. If there's ever another Operation Payback, Anonymous might need to figure out how to be a bit more anonymous."

So what do you think--should Anonymous be punished or was it just a small act of protest?


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Transcript by Newsy.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• anonymous
• hackers
• cyber hackers
• julian assange
• defenders
• united kingdom
• anonymous hacker members
• operation payback
• computer misuse act
• police and justice bill
• internet
• attacks
• uk police
• arrests
• global news
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[F0ra11Fr33m3n]

They have arrested 24 people grand total since Anonymous appeared. For these buffoons trouble they have caused Anonymous to increase dramatically in size. Each time they arrest many more join the cause. They are fighting Hydra & still can not understand. This is a fight they can not win. Yesterday we were over 9000 today we are over 2 million. As they arrest in defiant outrage we will grow. Are they going to lock up the entire next generation? They are fools playing with new found fire.

[ThatsMrQuarter]

"Be more anonymous."? Ya...cuz you caught 5 your proud of yourselves? These arrests will open 500 more minds to this injustice!

[Imagistria]

Acquiescence will be the death of your freedom, for those who are proud of this.

[michaeltheney]

@CreeperArena Anonymous is not good being captivated in law and confinement. Anonymous is spreading the idea of freedom, not hatred and fear. You shouldn't feel proud.

[CreeperArena]

YAY! They were arrested (well only 5)! I bet a lot more people feel safer now!

[jetslimo]

I'm all for protesting but ddos'ing to crash is only when they won't hear your case and give a propper response if we ddos every one under the sun you are feared and people lash out at what they are afraid of but if you are just then the people aren't going to fear you just understand you're an authority and to remember that what they're doing is wrong

[MrRagingbovine]

a 13 year old can hack into a website and crash it. the goverment has no chance of stopping this. anonymous is just goin to grow with copy cat hackers as youn as 13

[allaspects350]

@koorgen your a faggot go suck dick douch

[DOCSAFETUBE]

this fucking cunt sounds like the mass media...get a fucking real job!