Will Anonymous Become the Great Equalizer?

The once infamous hackers have shaken off their image of sophomoric pranksters and emerged on the world stage as a serious digital posse of hacktivists.  From Egypt, to Libya, to Wisconsin, this amorphous collective of wireless wizards have shown impressive strength and proficiency.  Their ability to respond quickly and effectively to situations around the globe put traditional government and military forces to shame.  They’ve executed their operations with an increasing level of effectiveness, impacting the abusive powers whom they target, while respecting and protecting critical services of the innocents they support.

As their ranks swell, so does the depth of their collective personality.  From youthful beginnings Anonymous has matured into a force to be reckoned with.  Actions are carefully considered, contingency plans established, and outcomes weighed.  The speed and responsiveness of a collective community allows for the simultaneous consideration of a multitude of options, the processing of objectives, and the establishment of action plans, or operations.

Operations Payback, Paperstorm, Leakspin, Egypt, Libya, Wisconsin, and KochBlock have each elevated the functioning level and responsiveness of Anonymous.  While none have been a failure, each endeavor has built on the strengths of the last.  Technology, ingenuity, and flexibility have been the key to Anonymous’ success.

In each case that the Anonymous collective has arrived at a consensus and executed an operation a full statement of their goals and reasons have been published with a clarity that the governments of the world seem unable to accomplish.  Their reputation for effectiveness is quickly becoming rivaled by their reputation for integrity.

As the uprising for democracy and equality grows across the globe, so will the role of Anonymous.  Unrestrained by borders, time-zones, corporate funding or politics, Anonymous is becoming a crucial force in that struggle.  Free from authoritarian leadership, and seemingly immune to traditional forms of repression, Anonymous may be the best hope we have of ensuring that the Internet stays accessible for activists, organizers, and revolutionaries.

As global capitalism tries to hang on to a faltering empire voices of dissent will be met with more and more severe obstacles.  As the status quo is challenged, the challenge to those seeking justice will be increased.  A strong, flexible, responsible support system will be needed to realize the changes envisioned.  Anonymous has already become a significant actor in world affairs and is only beginning to scratch the surface of its true potential.

We can all be a part of that support system.  We all should be a part of that support system.  Anonymous is not a closed community, does not have an application form, and does not collect dues.  While Anonymous is pretty much ubiquitous on the web, if you’re interested, you can start here.  Anonymous provides the possibility for possibilities and is quickly becoming the great equalizer.