Anonymous (group) facts for kids
Anonymous is a well-known group of anonymous online activists. They are famous for organizing many online and offline protests. These protests often focus on freedom of speech. Anonymous frequently speaks out against political corruption and censorship.
The group sometimes uses DDoS attacks. This is when they flood a website with so much traffic that it goes offline. They have targeted websites like PayPal and the U.S. Department of Justice. They also target groups that seem to limit people's freedom to speak online.
Anonymous is often linked to online communities like 4chan. They also supported protests such as the Occupy Movement. Some people involved with Anonymous have faced legal issues in different countries. People have mixed feelings about the group. Some call them "freedom fighters" or digital Robin Hoods. Others see their actions as harmful. In 2012, Time magazine named Anonymous one of the "100 most influential people" in the world.
Members of Anonymous are called Anons. When Anons appear in public, they often wear Guy Fawkes masks. These masks come from a graphic novel and film called V for Vendetta. Some Anons also hide their voices using voice changers or text-to-speech programs.
What Anonymous Believes
Anons often have different ideas, but they usually agree on certain things. They are generally not extreme in their views. Anonymous does not have a hierarchy or a single leader. Instead, Anons work together because they share similar goals. As Parmy Olson explained, there isn't one person in charge. Instead, different people come together to plan actions.
A main goal for Anons is to fight censorship on the Internet. They often target governments, organizations, and companies that they believe are limiting online speech. Anons were early supporters of the global Occupy Movement and the Arab Spring protests.
Since 2008, Anons have debated whether they should focus on pranks or serious activism. Some members believe it's about having an outlet to do things they couldn't do in regular life. They often say, "we are doing it for the lulz," meaning for fun or amusement.
Anonymous members protest in both legal and illegal ways. In 2012, Olson described Anonymous as a "movement" rather than a fixed group. She said anyone can be part of it, like a large crowd working together for different reasons.
Anonymous has very few rules. These rules include not sharing your real identity. Members also try not to talk about the group's plans publicly. They also try not to attack news media.
A common saying among Anonymous members is:
We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.
Images for kids
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KTTV Fox 11 investigative report on Anonymous.
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Protesters outside a Scientology center on February 10, 2008.
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A member holding an Anonymous flier at Occupy Wall Street, September 17, 2011.
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Anonymous protestors at the Brussels Stock Exchange, Belgium, January 2012.
See Also
In Spanish: Anonymous para niños
