Thread:Comments:Anonymous muscle in on Canadian teen rape case/Excellent news service to cause and community/reply (2)

This vigilante interference with the criminal justice system is morally wrong. It harms both the investigation and any subsequent prosecution. It risks misidentifying the criminals so risks defamation and other harm to innocent people. It also dilutes and jeopardizes whatever good reputation the label "Anonymous" has with the general public.

This is yet another "operation" that demonstrates that Anonymous has no defining philosophy, no defining core values and ideals, and no defining operating model. In particular, it demonstrates that those who claim the trademark "Anonymous" cannot be relied upon to obey the People's Law and to work with the institutions that the People have created. "Vigilante" is indeed a good description of Anonymous.

There are times and situations in which vigilante action is necessary and appropriate. This is not one of those situations. If the "Anonymous" activists really want to help prevent similar crimes, they should turn over their information to the investigating agency and let that agency control what information is released and when. Premature or inaccurate release of investigative information can destroy the ability to prosecute.