News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:"Anonymous" Hackers Take Down Child Porn Websites, Leak U... by ryandickherber on Saturday October 22, 2011 @01:50PM (#3143932)
Anonymous isn't putting them behind bars, but by releasing names, communities can ostracize these people and keep them away from children.
Re:"Anonymous" Hackers Take Down Child Porn Websites, Leak U... by shalmanese on Saturday October 22, 2011 @02:08PM (#3143974)
Anonymous didn't release a list of names, it released a list of pseudonyms which is virtually useless (http://pastebin.com/88Lzs1XR). I presume these people are smart enough not to use the same pseudonym on other services so this list is pretty eminently useless.
Re:"Anonymous" Hackers Take Down Child Porn Websites, Leak U... by cullenking on Saturday October 22, 2011 @04:53PM (#3144310)
Actually, I just did a cursory google search on a few of the more unique looking names, and they come up all over the internet. One of them is definitely not too worried, their pseudonym is also registered on a bestiality/zoophilia forum as well as some overclocking forums. I think this is definitely enough information to nail some of these people, with the right investigation.
Re:"Anonymous" Hackers Take Down Child Porn Websites, Leak U... by maurits on Sunday October 23, 2011 @06:25AM (#3145754)
No guarantees though, choosing an existing handle/username with a tarnished reputation seems like a pretty good strategy to me for online shenanigans.
Re:"Anonymous" Hackers Take Down Child Porn Websites, Leak U... by codezero on Saturday October 22, 2011 @02:23PM (#3144006)
What if they put your name on the list? To what authority is Anonymous culpable, and what responsibility do they have to vet the names they release?
Re:"Anonymous" Hackers Take Down Child Porn Websites, Leak U... by msluyter on Saturday October 22, 2011 @04:08PM (#3144213)
Well, clearly, in the anarcho-capitalist utopia envisioned by ryandickherber, you would go to the private justice authorities of your choice and get a ruling in your favor by presenting evidence that you never download child porn. An empty hard drive, say, or the entire server logs for every website you've ever visited. Easy! ;)

More seriously, you hit on the problem, which is that a lot of people seem to be assuming that Anonymous' vigilante justice is error free. Those that are wrongfully accused of using child porn could have their lives seriously damaged.

Re:"Anonymous" Hackers Take Down Child Porn Websites, Leak U... by DasIch on Saturday October 22, 2011 @02:06PM (#3143967)
"Communities" can't do that as effectively as the government can nor are or should these people considered to be guilty unless proven in court.