MPAA Fights Back Against Anonymous Attacks

The Motion Pictures Assocation of America is pushing back against Anonymous.

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In reaction to U.S. authorities shutting down Megaupload, the hacktivist group Anonymous has been launching attacks on various government agencies and big media companies. So far, the group has claimed responsibility for crashing the websites of the Justice Department, Universal Music, BMI, the MPAA and the RIAA. According to reports on Twitter, the group also has been attempting to pull down the website of the White House, but so far it hasn't succeeded.

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But the campaign goes well beyond DDoS attacks. In the past day, someone claiming association with the group posted personal information on MPAA chairman Chris Dodd, including his home address, property values, phone numbers and children's names.

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We've obtained a statement from the MPAA in response.

It reads:

"Our website and many others, including the Department of Justice, were attacked today and the hacker group Anonymous is claiming responsibility for the attacks. We are working with law enforcement authorities to identify those responsible.  

Unfortunately, some groups believe that speech or ideas that they disagree with should be silenced. This could not be more wrong. No matter the point of view, everyone has a right to be heard.

The motion picture and television industry has always been a strong supporter of free speech. We strongly condemn any attempts to silence any groups or individuals.      

The Internet is home to creativity, innovation and free speech. We want to keep it that way. Protecting copyrights and protecting free speech go hand in hand."

Anonymous is posting their developments on Twitter with the hashtag #OpMegaupload.