Anonymous Takes On Child Pornography Sites

"Hacktivist" group Anonymous has announced that it will be targeting web host Freedom Hosting, which it is accusing of knowingly hosting child pornography sites in an exercise it has dubbed "Operation Darknet."

The group, which is best known for its attacks on large corporations such as Apple and upon governmental agencies it perceived to be engaging in censorship, has taken on the issue of pedophilia before. In 2007, the Toronto Sun newspaper reported that members of the group were tracking the activities of alleged Internet predator Chris Forcand. The group contacted the police after some members were propositioned by Forcand, who was later arrested and charged with two counts of luring a child under the age of 14, attempt to invite sexual touching, attempted exposure, possessing a dangerous weapon, and carrying a concealed weapon.

In a statement dated October 15, Anonymous says: "The owners and operators at Freedom Hosting are openly supporting child pornography and enabling pedophiles to view innocent children, fueling their issues and putting children at risk of abduction, molestation, rape, and death."