As Tension Builds, Anonymous Attacks North Korean Social Networking Accounts

At this point in time, it's pretty-well assured that the vast majority of people are getting a little annoyed by North Korea's ongoing antics, and while we'd love to see things settle down and people be reasonable, that's not the restrictive state's way. It seems that the country has only one outcome in mind, and for that reason, hacktivist group Anonymous has stepped-in in an attempt to annoy it right back.

In the best way it knows how, Anonymous has begun targeting social networking accounts and websites related to the country, such as news site Uriminzokkiri and its related Flickr page. It also claims to have 15,000 usernames and passwords snatched from a North Korean university database.

The move is called "Operation Free Korea", and its goal, as told by Anonymous itself: "To the citizens of North Korea we suggest to rise up and bring [this] oppressive government down! We are holding your back and your hand, while you take the journey to freedom, democracy and peace. You are not alone. Don't fear us, we are not terrorist, we are the good guys from the internet. AnonKorea and all the other Anons are here to set you free."

With its comments, Anonymous is trying to separate itself from the United States as much as possible, which is probably a smart move in this case, given that's where North Korea's biggest beef lays. But is this move actually going to accomplish anything? History will suggest "no". As simple as it is to say, North Korea does what North Korea wants, so I am not sure a little Internet jeering is going to be the trigger that forces change in the country.

Of course, it could be argued that it can't hurt to try.