Anonymous and the Political Ethos of Hacktivism

Abstract

This article examines the ethos of the hacktivist movement Anonymous. It considers the subcultural roots of Anonymous and the political and ethical values articulated by the movement. The article highlights key points of tension within the Anonymous ethos: nihilism and idealism, utopianism and dystopianism, individualism and collectivism, and negative and positive liberty. The article argues that while Anonymous can be broadly understood as cyberlibertarian, it is more complex and contradictory than this singular label implies. However, it also argues that the Anonymous ethos is not so amorphous that it prevents ideological analysis and critique. The article concludes by discussing the wider political significance of Anonymous when seen in this light.