A key figure within the hacktivist group Anonymous has released a rare statement clarifying the group’s mission and addressing widespread misconceptions about its political identity. The statement, published on Monday and quickly shared across social media, underscores the group’s enduring commitment to combating fascism and authoritarianism.
“Fascism is a scourge that, when not challenged, results in the deaths of millions,” the statement published via the YourAnonNews account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) reads. “We will not humo[u]r such criminals [by] pretending they are patriots, and we will challenge such power grabs both legally and illegally.”
Anonymous, often represented in media coverage as a faceless and anarchic collective, is described in the statement as a diverse network of individuals united by a shared desire to challenge systemic injustices. While some members have engaged in illegal hacking activities, others are law-abiding citizens focused on activism and information dissemination. The statement insists that these core ideals predate the emergence of the “Anonymous” brand, which has become synonymous with cyber-attacks against governments and corporations.
The statement also reflects on the group’s past, referencing notorious figures such as Sabu, a hacker who became an FBI informant, and Jeremy Hammond, who chose imprisonment over betraying his principles. These examples, the statement suggests, illustrate the varied paths Anonymous members have taken in pursuit of their shared goals. Despite these challenges, the group’s mission remains unchanged: to expose injustices and bring to light information that those in power seek to conceal.
The author, who identifies as a veteran member of Anonymous, recounts their participation in past hacktivist operations, including efforts to publicise the famous Diebold leaks, which revealed vulnerabilities in US electronic voting systems. Emphasising that the sharing of critical information has always been the group’s priority, the statement reiterates that personal recognition is of no importance.
While acknowledging a shift in some members’ tactics towards more politically-driven actions, the statement maintains that the group’s anti-fascist ideals are unwavering. The message concludes with a rallying cry against fascism, describing the ideology as a dire threat that must be confronted by any means necessary. Anonymous, the statement declares, remains resolute in its mission, viewing those who oppose its ideals as adversaries.
