You've probably seen those famous Guy Fawkes masks at protests, in videos, or in mysterious social media posts. Behind them is Anonymous (a group as controversial as it is intriguing) that has done it all: from hacking major websites to supporting social causes. At TecnetOne, we want to help you understand who they are, how they started, and why they continue to make headlines. Spoiler: their story is as chaotic as it is fascinating.
Who is Anonymous?
Anonymous is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and talked-about hacker groups in the world. It emerged in 2003 as a decentralized collective of individuals operating anonymously and spread across the globe.
They have no leaders or fixed structure, but they do share one thing: spontaneous coordination to intervene in matters ranging from politics and capitalism to social justice and environmental defense.
Among their most recognized members is Aubrey Cottle, one of the early promoters of the movement. Over the years, Anonymous has carried out a vast number of cyberattacks that have disrupted servers, leaked confidential data, and taken down entire digital platforms.
Many of these actions have targeted governments, multinational corporations, or institutions that, from their point of view, threaten people's rights or the freedom of information.
The name "Anonymous" has an interesting origin. It came from the anonymity offered by forums like 4chan, where users could post messages or images without needing to identify themselves. In these spaces, if a user didn’t have a registered name, the system would automatically label them as "Anonymous."
Over time, that simple word became the identity of a collective that started by posting jokes and irreverent comments, but eventually evolved into a global movement with political and social weight.
In fact, during the early years, some forum users even joked about pretending that Anonymous was a single person, referring to them as “Anon.” That blend of humor, chaos, and activism is part of what has defined the group from the very beginning.
From Pranks to Activism: The Evolution of Anonymous
In its early days, Anonymous was nothing more than a group of internet users pulling pranks and breaking into government websites just to prove they could. It was a kind of challenge to authority, without a clear cause beyond entertainment and provocation.
But over time, that chaotic energy transformed into something bigger: a movement that began fighting for freedom of expression, open access to information, and the independence of the internet, among other social and political causes.
The Mask That Became a Symbol
If there's one thing that visually defines Anonymous, it's the iconic Guy Fawkes mask used in their videos and public appearances. This mask, popularized by the movie V for Vendetta, represents the historical figure Guy Fawkes, a young English Catholic who, in 1605, took part in the infamous Gunpowder Plot—a failed attempt to blow up the Palace of Westminster (home of the British Parliament) and assassinate King James I.
The plan was uncovered before it could be executed. Fawkes and his co-conspirators were arrested, tortured, and ultimately executed in February 1606. As a result of that failed attack, the UK celebrates Guy Fawkes Night every November 5th with fireworks, bonfires, and traditional treats like toffee apples.
Though many once saw Fawkes as a traitor, over time his image evolved into a symbol of rebellion against the established power. And that's precisely the image Anonymous adopted: that of the individual (or collective) standing up to authority in the name of a greater cause.
Major Operations by Anonymous
Since then, Anonymous has been involved in numerous operations around the world. Some of the most notable include:
1. Operation Payback (2010)
This operation began as a response to the pressure from major corporations against file-sharing and torrent websites like The Pirate Bay. Anonymous carried out DDoS attacks on organizations such as the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America).
Later, when WikiLeaks published secret U.S. government documents and companies like PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard blocked donations to the site, Anonymous struck again by targeting those platforms.
2. Arab Spring (2011)
During the Arab Spring uprisings, Anonymous supported protesters in countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. They attacked government websites and helped spread information to bypass censorship, becoming digital allies of the social movements.
3. #OpISIS (2015)
After terrorist attacks carried out by ISIS, Anonymous launched a campaign to track and shut down social media accounts used by the organization for recruitment. They reported and took down thousands of accounts linked to extremism.
4. Support for Black Lives Matter (2020)
Amid the protests following the death of George Floyd in the U.S., Anonymous made a powerful comeback. They leaked documents, exposed police misconduct, and promoted the fight against racism and institutional violence.
Read more: Anonymous User Moves Millions in Bitcoin After 14 Years of Inactivity
How Do Members of Anonymous Communicate and Organize?
Anonymous has no leaders or hierarchy. It organizes itself through communication channels like online forums, encrypted chats, platforms such as Telegram or Discord, and social media. Operations are proposed by members, and if they gain enough support, they move forward.
This makes their structure entirely decentralized, which makes it difficult for authorities to track them. Even so, several members have been arrested over the years for participating in illegal hacktivist activities.
Controversies and Criticisms
While many of their actions have been praised, Anonymous has also faced numerous criticisms:
-
Lack of internal control: Without a clear structure, anyone can launch an operation in their name.
-
Moral gray area: Some actions can be ethically questionable, such as leaking personal data.
-
Legal consequences: Many of their members have been prosecuted for cybercrimes.
There has also been debate over whether Anonymous actually achieves deep, lasting change or if their actions are more symbolic than effective.
Despite the criticisms, it’s undeniable that Anonymous has changed the way we understand digital activism. They’ve shown that with technical knowledge and collective organization, it's possible to challenge the powerful from behind a computer screen.
Anonymous has inspired a new generation of hacktivists and social movements that use technology as a tool for protest and change.
Is Anonymous Still Active in 2025?
Yes. Although it has gone through periods of inactivity, Anonymous has resurfaced at various times to speak out on political conflicts, human rights violations, or acts of digital censorship. In 2025, the collective remains relevant, actively participating in campaigns against mass surveillance, authoritarianism, and disinformation.
Anonymous is not just a group of hackers. It’s a symbol of resistance—a way to show that people, even from behind anonymity, can organize to challenge power, expose abuses, and defend causes that affect us all. What began as simple pranks on forums like 4chan ended up marking a turning point in how we understand protest and activism.
Beyond the masks and headlines, Anonymous brings uncomfortable yet necessary issues to the forefront: freedom of expression, the right to privacy, and access to information. At TecnetOne, we believe that understanding these movements is key to being more aware of what’s happening around us—and of how things really move behind the screen.