WHAT IS 'ANONYMOUS' ?

'ANONYMOUS'
Anonymous Mask OR Vendetta Mask

* Anonymous describes itself as an "internet gathering". The term is used to describe a collective of people who come together online, commonly to stage a protest.

* The groups vary in size and make-up depending on the cause.  

* Members often identify themselves in web videos by wearing the Guy Fawkes masks popularized by the book and film V for Vendetta.

Anonymous Logo

 

* Its protests often take the form of disrupting websites and services.

* Its use of the term Anonymous comes from a series of websites frequented by members, such as the anarchic image board 4Chan.

Anonymous Motto

* These allow users to post without having to register or provide a name. As a result, their comments are tagged "Anonymous".

* In the past, groups have staged high-profile protests against plans by the Australian government to filter the internet and the Church of Scientology.

* Many Anonymous protests tackle issues of free speech and preserving the openness of the net.