Anonymous is a decentralized international activist and hacktivist collective known for its cyber attacks against various governments, institutions, and corporations. The group operates under the banner of "hacktivism," using hacking and other digital tools to promote freedom of speech, transparency, and anti-corruption.

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Summary of Anonymous:

Origins: Anonymous began in the early 2000s on the imageboard 4chan, where users adopted the name "Anonymous" for collective actions.

Ideology:

The group champions freedom of information, transparency, and human rights, often opposing censorship and surveillance.

Structure:

Anonymous has no official hierarchy or membership, making it difficult to define and attribute actions directly to the group.

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Positive Contributions:

Operation Tunisia (2011): Anonymous supported the Tunisian revolution by launching cyber attacks against government websites, aiding the pro-democracy movement.
Operation Payback (2010): In response to anti-piracy efforts, Anonymous attacked organizations like the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to protest internet censorship.
Operation Darknet (2011): The group exposed child pornography websites on the dark web, resulting in the takedown of several sites and the arrest of offenders.
Operation Chanology (2008): Anonymous targeted the Church of Scientology, criticizing its practices and promoting freedom of information.
Support for Occupy Wall Street (2011): Anonymous provided logistical support and publicized the Occupy Wall Street protests, which highlighted economic inequality and corporate influence in politics.
Operation Ice ISIS (2014): The group targeted social media accounts and websites linked to ISIS, disrupting their online propaganda efforts.
Exposing Corruption: Anonymous has released documents and data exposing corruption and unethical practices within governments and corporations, increasing public awareness and accountability.

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These actions have helped raise awareness about various social, political, and economic issues, contributing to a more informed and engaged public.