Hackers Give Web Companies a Test of Free Speech

[slay]

Source: New York Times

Hackers Give Web Companies a Test of Free Speech

By ASHLEE VANCE and MIGUEL HELFT
Published: December 8, 2010

A hacking free-for-all has exploded on the Web, and Facebook and Twitter are stuck in the middle.

On Wednesday, anonymous hackers took aim at companies perceived to have harmed WikiLeaks after its release of a flood of confidential diplomatic documents. MasterCard, Visa and PayPal, which had cut off people’s ability to donate money to WikiLeaks, were hit by attacks that tried to block access to the companies’ Web sites and services.

To organize their efforts, the hackers have turned to sites like Facebook and Twitter. That has drawn these Web giants into the fray and created a precarious situation for them.

Both Facebook and Twitter — but particularly Twitter — have received praise in recent years as outlets for free speech. Governments trying to control the flow of information have found it difficult to block people from voicing their concerns or setting up meetings through the sites.


Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/09/technology/09net.html?_r=1&hp

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* on edit - forgot to add from the bottom of the article - "A version of this article appeared in print on December 9, 2010, on page B1 of the New York edition."

[ejpoeta]

1. the government thought twitter was awesome when it was iran using it to

organize protests. let's see how their tune changes now when it involves US. somehow i think they won't be as happy about it.

[Javaman]

14. It's only awesome when it's a tool for them. Not so much when it's against them.

The US government hates when things cut both ways.

The very fickle nature of our government and it's revised concept of freedom of speech.

[boppers]

2. Tempest in a teapot problem.

As I read the twitter data, they're saying that it's not a big deal, because only thousands care, as compared to the millions following Justin Bieber's hair.

Iran, OTOH, had more folks who cared.

[slay]

3. While hackers may use Twitter and Facebook to reach a more mainstream audience

it's never been their main or preferred form of communication - even far less a recruiting tool. That shit is like AOL to hackers. LOL. But it does bring up a very valid free speech issue that could pose a problem to both sites. Very interesting.

Check out their IRC channel or postings to usenet to see what's really going down in the hacker world - it's quite intriguing, open-minded, and progressive for the most part.

[No Elephants]

5. Since, per our SCOTUS, money = speech, isn't there more than one free speech issue in this story?

[Bandit]

20. That is a very interesting question

In a different context, when DEA or IRS confiscates your money or puts a hold on your bank account are they limiting/denying your right to Free Speech? :think:

[Bragi]

13. Perhaps you are too focused on the U.S

if you check out news media globally, Wikileaks is going into its second week as the top story on the planet, and it is attracting a huge (and even increasing)amount of media and public attention.

This is less so in the U.S, of course, where news media tend to be tame and lacking in interest in what's happening aborad, and where citizens are very docile in the face of authority.

But elsewhere, the situation is much better in terms of awareness of what's going on, and support for those trying to protect Wikileaks

[PeaceNikki]

4. It's funny that people call 4chan kids and Anonymous "hackers"

Real hackers covertly rip off a bank. They don't sit at their parents house trying to ddos someone using a program they didn't even write.

DDoS is effective disruption to business, but amateur thuggery at best.

[Centered]

6. Minor Correction

Real Hackers improve security and understanding by letting others know when they discover flaws. Crackers are criminals, but you are 100% CORRECT Script-Kiddies are just punks out to disrupt systems and pretend they are some form of "Elite Uber Hacker"

[PeaceNikki]

7. You're 100% correct.

The people cheering them on are totally clueless.

[Duppers]

8. we'll see

how 'amateur' they are. They using an amateur tactics, for now, but they're like an ant attack.

:popcorn:

[PeaceNikki]

9. Indeed. It's effective, sure.

For a while, anyway. Data centers and infrastructure will be altered to fend them off.

And they accomplish nothing.

[Bragi]

11. I applaud this campaign to protect whistleblowers

These "thugs" (as alleged by misguided people here) are working to protect an organization that is exposing war criminals and wrong-doing and duplicity.

I applaud them, and am inspired by their efforts. Anyone who considers themselves to be politically progressive ought to support them.

[Javaman]

15. Correct.

I love the people who poo poo the ones who are actually doing something with their keyboards.

And I really get a kick out of those who like to get lost in the minutia of labels regarding the hackers. Like the hackers give a shit. LOL

I also get a belly laugh over people who call these people "wanna-be" thugs. Call me crazy, but that's like calling every soldier a "wanna-be general".

So many people are so glued to the idea of there being a "right way and a wrong way" to protest and that all protests have to be above the boards. I find it so curious to watch these same people have a very hard time trying to wrap their heads around our new reality, as if the old style protests of street marching with signs is the only way to protest.

[Quantess]

10. facebook is down right now, at this moment.

I just spent 2 minutes trying to log in unsuccessfully.

[Bragi]

12. Excellent!

I'd like to see the entire internet melt down over the assault against WikiLeaks and free expression being lead, sadly, by the Obama administration.

It would be opposed by authoritarian powers everywhere, of course, but would send exactly the right message.

[Javaman]

16. So, by your logic, your reply wouldn't have been read. nt

[Bragi]

17. Oh, the horror!

Actually, I'm quite prepared to sacrifice my ability to use the Internet in support of a greater good, such as protecting whistleblowers who are exposing war crimes and lies.

But in fact I don't expect to have to do so, since the hackers seem to know how to target the bad guys, and I'm not one of them.

[Javaman]

18. It's cool. I was just pointing out your unknowing paradox.

Peace.

[Bragi]

19. Understood

I could see from your other replies that we are not in disagreement here.

I just wanted to make the point that, for me, the fundamental public policy test of the Internet isn't whether it allows individuals like me to blather on at will.

If, in order to keep the Internet free as a vehicle for responsible whistleblowers, my usage in temporarily curtailed, then so be it.