There is a lot written about some of the operations undertaken by the cyber hacktivists Anonymous. Much of it focuses on dramatic events that are measured by websites like SONY being taken offline or numbers of user data leaked from corporate servers that have lax security and are exposed by Anonymous posting the details rather than covert cyber attackers who can use it for their own gain.
It creates a situation where the average individual, even proactive and open minded news seeker is left with a tough challenge in understanding just who or what Anonymous is.
This new documentary does a remarkable job of answering the questions of who, what and how the collective of Anonymous came to be.
It also takes a fair look at some of the individuals arrested for participating in DDoS or denial of service attacks and helps to let you reach your own opinion about the nature of the "crimes" that the government classifies as cyber-terrorism and hactivists equate to digital protests.
Because Anonymous is an idea and lose collective of unknowns who dwell in the dark regions of the cyber realm, many people are afraid to talk about their activities for fear of becoming a target of their unseen powers. That's not a problem for me since nothing scares me more than corrupt governments and toxic policies that dump debt and waste on us while stripping our freedoms.
I also have developed a deep admiration for the members of Anonymous who have stepped up to aid some very good causes in critical ways and just like my friends here at Newsvine and other places around the web, who don't use real life names but show true heart and dedication to truth and justice and have my respect as well.
For those who feel safest dealing with someone they know has a real name, let me offer this chance to meet Anonymous and risk nothing more than a visit to my column which is generally safe for anyone but Monsanto supporters so watch and learn and enjoy! :~)
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10 pm update ~ When this was given to me earlier it was said to be the official release version. Turns out that isn't quite true, but an earlier version that was submitted to a foreign film festival. Since it is already public and already here the article can stay but out of respect for the official film and the site to support the film makers and all their hard work I will pull it down for now along with the links.
http://wearelegionthedocumentary.com/2012/09/23/official-release-october-19th/
UPDATE: A note for our followers and supporters:
The film that just leaked on YouTube is a very old version of the film that we believe was sent to a festival in Italy over 6-7 months ago. Since it is an early rough cut of the film it has inaccuracies, incomplete visuals and lacks a lot of attribution for materials we received from people helping with the film. Also, since we’ve been working on the film nearly continuously for the last 6-7 months, it is also lacking a huge amount of material and content. Anon has been busy, and obviously has experienced some interesting revelations, during that time. The version we are finishing now for the official release has 5-6 more interviews, a deeper analysis of Anonymous and the culture, and a vastly broadened set of visuals and story.
In the interest of getting it right, showing the best possible version of the film and being fair to the thousands of people who helped us, we hope you see the official version which will be in theaters in New York and LA on October 19th, and online October 30th.
