What happens when 21st century technology takes on 19st century hate? Well, that seems to be the drama playing out as the loosely organized web group known as Anonymous takes on the KKK over the possible ramifications of the Grand Jury decision in Ferguson, MO.
The latest hackjob from the group of so-called hacktivists against the Ku Klux Klan has been to seize control of several Twitter accounts and websites belonging to members of the KKK. This was done in retaliation of threats made by the KKK against protesters in Ferguson, MO. The group has given the operation the hashtag #OpKKK, and involved showing a picture of a lynched KKK member.
The group announced the ‘operation’ via YouTube video, proclaiming they were not attacking due to the beliefs of the KKK, but rather the threats against the protestors in Ferguson, MO.
The record of accomplishment of the group of hacktivists is mixed. On several notable occasions, one involving a police officer in beleaguered Ferguson, MO, they named the of the wrong officer prompting official to release the name of the correct officer two weeks later. In another case, they released the wrong address of a suspected cyber bully.
The current fight between the KKK and Anonymous comes on the heels of several months of racially charged protests following the shooting death of a teenager, Michael Brown, by Officer Wilson. The grand jury is currently attempting to decide if Wilson should face criminal charges and expected to make a ruling soon.