Charlie Hebdo: Anonymous campaign blocks ten extremist websites in cyberwar against jihadists

Online activist group Anonymous has blocked access to 10 jihadist websites since it launched its #OpCharlieHebdo campaign on Friday.

 

It says its actions are part of a “cyberwar” against extremists, after killed 12 people were killed at the offices of Charlie Hebdo last week. 

 

"Attacking freedom of speech is attacking Anonymous,” the group said in a video posted on YouTube. “We will not permit it. Any organisations or enterprises linked to those terrorists attacks should expect a massive reaction from Anonymous. We are tracking you down. We will find you and not leave you any rest." 

 

On Saturday evening the group revealed its first victim – the jihadist forum Ansar al Haqq. Since then, visitors have been redirected to search engine Duck Duck Go. Below is the tweet Anonymous posted to break the news.

 

https://twitter.com/OpCharlieHebdo/status/553998219911634944

 

Another 14 websites are also being targeted by the group, as was revealed by a list posted on Pastebin. At least nine of those are now inaccessible.

Anonymous has also released a list of Twitter accounts belonging to “known jihadists”. It has asked other Twitter users to “get the word out” and ask Twitter to block them.

 

The campaign has garnered a large amount of support but has also been criticised for hypocrisy, since some people say it is unfair to promote free speech by removing one group's online voice.