Anonymous throws down the SOPA gauntlet and targets Sony [Video]

Yesterday I wrote about the movement forming on Reddit that plans on targeting US politicians that support SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and I commented in that post that I felt that hacktivist groups like Anonymous had for the most part been marginalized and in the larger ‘legitimate’ scheme of things weren’t really that effective.

I should clarify a little bit by saying that as much as groups like Anonymous are portrayed as a bunch of whiny kids sitting around in their mommy and daddy’s basements nothing could be further from the truth. Neither should they be counted out of any online movement because they are able to motivate and mobilize a very knowledgeable and experienced technical proficient group of people.

So when they come out like that have today announcing that they are going to start going after companies and big name people who are supporting SOPA you need to take note because they will be effective. While we might argue about the real value of their interceding and creating havoc the fact is they can be a very effective front line shock troop.

In light of the reaction to SOPA the hactivist groups sent out the following email (courtesy of The Next Web):

Hello, SONY.

We are Anonymous.

It has come to the attention of the Anonymous activist community that you have chosen to stand by the Stop Online Piracy Act. This act will halt online businesses and restrict access to many sites for many users. Supporting SOPA is like trying to throw an entire company from off a bridge. Your support to the act is a signed death warrant to SONY Company and Associates. Therefore, yet again, we have decided to destroy your network. We will dismantle your phantom from the internet. Prepare to be extinguished. Justice will be swift, and it will be for the people, whether some like it or not. Sony, you have been warned.

To those doubting our powers. We’ve infiltrated the servers of Bank of America, The United States Department of Defense, The United Nations, and Lockheed Martin. In one day.

For their approval to SOPA, we have also declared that our fury be brought upon the following persons. Justin Bieber. Lady Gaga. Kim Kardashian. and Taylor Swift.

Operation Blackout, engaged.
Operation Mayhem, engaged.
Operation LulzXmas, engaged.

We are Anonymous.
We are Legion.
We do not forgive.
We do not forget.

Supporters of SOPA, you should’ve expected us.

And yes they are right – we should have expected this.

Along with the email the group also posted the following video: