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© Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.Hackers strike at MasterCard to support WikiLeaks
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Badsey
This is the Internet(s) 9/11. You have a hacker that is being held without bail with no charges made against him. The fight for the InfoWar has begun and it's time to get your geek on with DNS attacks.
Lizz
Julian Assange had no legal obligation or responsibility to protect U.S. classified information and therefore he did nothing illegal.
And if he had committed a crime, why did it still take this long for both the U.S. (DoJ, Congresspeople) and Australian (AG) governments to get to the point where they are "trying to determine whether" he broke a law? If the dissemination of classified documents is illegal, and he has been doing this for several years, then shouldn't these governments have come to this conclusion years ago?
SuperLib
If you want transparency then you'd tell us who you are. Or are you afraid that some harm might come to you if your information is released? Well then I guess you should be protected with some secrecy. We'll just have to trust that you don't cross the line and do anything you shouldn't do because you're the good guys.
Sounds kinda familiar...
TakeNextRight
Is it dumb or do they deserve it?
GJDailleult
Nice to see Rudd say the obvious, but then I guess after you have already been stabbed in the back you don't have much to lose. But he is right, the blame lies with the American government.
Good long article on the New Yorker website on Assange by the way. Whether you love him, hate him, or are in the middle, it is interesting stuff. He has a led a pretty strange life, and the article gives some background on what is going on.
smithinjapan
"U.S. officials in Washington say other countries have curtailed their dealings with the U.S. government because of WikiLeaks’ actions."
This is like if someone commits a crime and then says they are going to jail because the police caught them. They are going to jail for the crime they committed. Likewise, if other governments are curtailing their dealings with the US, it's because of things the US has said and/or done, not because of Wikileaks.
goddog
This whole wikileaks thing is out of hand and getting old. Time for a new scandle.
HermioneGranger
Technically, Wikileaks hasn't done anything illegal in the US, because publishing confidential information isn't illegal. (leaking it to the publisher is, but that would be someone else)
If the government would be embarrassed at a comment being made public, they shouldn't be making it in the first place!
Lizz
If other governments are curtailing their dealings with the US, it's because of things the US has said and/or done, not because of Wikileaks.
International negotiations may be grinding to a halt in some quarters because privacy and confidentiality are no longer guaranteed by the US government. But the leaks themselves were candid views of foreign leaders and assessments of threats between third parties - bargaining chips basically. They did not reflect, for the most part, anything Hillary said or official State Dept/Obama Administration positions matters of US concern.
nimbus
Is possession of stolen property illegal?
Zenny11
They might be able to get him on possession of stolen property.
But the spy, etc charges being floated won"t stick, and why is the focus on him and NOT the people that stole the info and the people that allowed it to be stolen?
Cart before Horse?
Scrote
In releasing the documents Assange/WikiLeaks have not broken any US laws. Freedom of the press and freedom of speech are basic rights in the US and there is nothing the US can do about it, except spout drivel about "terrorism". They are now forcing US banks and credit companies to cut off funding to WikiLeaks, but this should hopefully spur the creation of alternative payment systems which are not subject to US government control.
apecNetworks
Woooooooahhhhhh, the Weekend Hackers Brigade is out in full force, I guess.
The most significant support Mr. Assange has received so far has been from Australian FM Rudd, who does see the problems is in US communication security rather than Wikileaks publishing the sensitive info. FM Rudd has given one of Australia's son a chance, a chance mind you, of being able to still be in standing in Australia as a journalist.
FM Rudd is himself in treacherous waters from the Wikileaks, so somewhat courageous.
TimRussert
"...if other governments are curtailing their dealings with the US, it's because of things the US has said and/or done, not because of Wikileaks."
Cool. It is somewhat reassuring to hear the "one world progressive" types rushing to defend Assange with that line. I was not surprised to see Hillary, Obama's personal envoy, using the most under-handed, thuggish tactics possible to bully other nations into signing on to the bogus Copenhagen Accord. In the wash it all seems to come out, that the current administration is into "ecology" solely because it can be used to advance their stealth socialism.
retaliator
They desverse it very much! The Internet works because there are many dedicated, passionate people (or geeks) who make the Internet run. Too bad for all that commercial industry that the Internet wont work without those pesky geeks, eh?!
That Australian foreign minister is dead right! Assange did nothing illegal, basically he's only publishing the information. The US complaining about Wikileaks is as naive as complaining that I stole apple's from their garden tree which branch hangs over to my lot. Maybe they should look into why their information security has so many holes. Those guys calling for assassinating or hunting Assange like a terrorist are the most ridiculous ones, completely out of the world!
TimRussert
These scumbag hackers, most of whom are probably semi-autistic sociopaths, like their hero Assange, make me wish sometimes I will live to see the day that China replaces the US. I would like to see em spouting off about 'imperialism' and 'social justice' when that world comes.
WilliB
I am really waiting for a WikiWikileak, publishing all the internal messages between Assange and his pals.
That will be so enjoyable watching them make an ideological u-turn :-)
KakiOko
Kevin Rudd, Australian Foreign Minister, correctly assigns the responsibility for the leaks back onto the US Government...and rightly so. The US is trying to plug the hole in the dam with whatever it can now and is pulling all its dirty tricks out and calling in all its favours with the governments and money companies. The documents were secured by people paid to keep them secret, but they failed and now they are out. They're in the hands of people who are not obligated to ensure their secrecy, so bad luck US. Try locking the safe once in a while.
nandakandamanda
Wow, Wikileaks might attack Japan Today and reveal all our identities. Then we would all be naked.
Foggia
"U.S. officials in Washington say other countries have curtailed their dealings with the U.S. government because of WikiLeaks’ actions."
No. Other countries have curtailed their dealings with the US gov because of US gov action, which was revealed by Wikileaks. Quite a difference, if you ask me.
nandakandamanda
I bet most of us feel freer to comment honestly and spontaneously here because anonymity is 'guaranteed'. Take that away and the freshness and interest of JT as we know it, would shrivel.
skipthesong
has anyone else here actually gone through these leaks? or are we taking sides automatically?
I bet most of us feel freer to comment honestly and spontaneously here because anonymity is 'guaranteed'." Well, so were those secrets.. I would highly advise you all to get an out of local ip or ip mask
Take that away and the freshness and interest of JT as we know it, would shrivel." maybe, but I'm really looking forward to those new vid blogs instead of typing a comment, you actually record/film it
nandakandamanda
LOL at the above. But in a way it is the same thing.
According to the leaks, an American diplomat said that sex, drugs and alcohol are freely available for the rich elite behind closed doors in Jeddah.
Is this a problem with/for the US government? US 'corruption'???
It's a problem for Saudi Arabia because it will surely throw flames on the fire of anti-govt Islamic extremist passions there. It is a problem for the US because the revelations upset carefully-balanced conventions within another society, leading to lack of trust in the US ability to control exposure of their inner thoughts.
Now hackers strike in retaliation at those who would turn off the taps, and here cyber war breaks out in the most unlikely of places, in the bosom of Western civilization.
Sasoriza
It looks like the whole thing has become "The US v/s The Rest of The World".
manfromamerica
The communists have returned.
skipthesong
Yo, just heard that they got Sarah Palin's credit card... I bet you guys are happy now. Don't break you back doing back flips
The communists have returned." And I think that is just what many want, but little do they know.
Madverts
Heh, well I don't support the irrisponsible release of sensitive diplomatic stuff, but neither do I support Britain's holding Assange without bail on allegations of "rape" for Sweden.
The whole thing stinks.
Assange better have something nuclear up his sleeve or he's going to be inside chinese-style for the foreseable future.
skipthesong
that's something you know man, here's being charged or what ever by Sweden and being held in Britain so why is the US getting all the heat?
Molenir
Calling Assange a Journalist is about like referring to a psycotic murderer as a bit of a bully. The 2 terms are so far out of whack that its nonsensical to put them together.
Wow, the pathetic reasoning of those desperate to defend this slimebag is amazing.
This is of course the truth. And is true with US diplomats and agents the US has working for them. If they can be revealed by someone like this, then they simply cannot trust the US to protect them as sources, and that their privileged communications will remain privileged. Indeed I wonder if these people who are so deluded into supporting Assange realize, that in Journalism, it would be like revealing sources, or communications given you in confidence. If Journalists had no protections, and could be required to give up sources and communications in the same way, I wonder how many would be willing to speak to the press? Indeed, imagine how you would censor yourself, if everything you personally spoke and thought could be revealed to anyone who desired to know.
apecNetworks
I'm sorry, but "heads will have to roll". Those that are entrusted to secure the released info failed, failed miserably. Failure is not an option, but failed they did. This is the basis for good/bad management.
thetruthhurts
apecNetworks,
You are correct on this one. Not much has been mentioned about this angle. How did this stuff get leaked originally and why was it not secured? Those are the real questions.
cleo
Yet MasterCard and Visa can still be used to send donations to the KKK. Nice to know what the priorities are.
guardiandotcodotuk/news/blog/2010/dec/07/wikileaks-us-embassy-cables-live-updates
skipthesong
How did this stuff get leaked originally and why was it not secured?" over weight and lazy government workers... Oh, and over paid too...
MeLikeJapan
Nandakandamanda...you're probably right!!!
SolidariTea
Let's hope Assange can embarrass British authorities by getting some dirt released about the racist BNP scum sent to the EU parliament to represent England.
skipthesong
released about the racist BNP scum" what else is there to know about them?
hottomales
You are greatly confused Super. When one asks for transparency it is only natural that the groups who make extra-judicial assassasinations and pressure governments to make arrests start first. Being a freedom fighter does not mean one has to be a fool, and a paint a target on their own back. When the day comes these companies stop buckling to the U.S. gov and legitimizing its bad behavior, and the U.S. government operates transparently and/or responsibly, is the day these hackers put their masks away.
Basically you remind me of the naysayers of Batman and Spiderman movies who doubt the superheroes for hiding their identity. Whether in the movies or real life, let the obvious villians become transparent first. Judge the evil by their deeds, not their masks. And remember, it is wrong to hack someone's web sites, unless they earned it. Just like it is wrong to lock people in a small room, unless they are convicts.
hottomales
Because Britian never would have arrested anyone over this loony Swedish rape charge but for the pressure of the U.S. government. But, if you want to prove me wrong, please name me one other person arrested in Britian for similar charges in a foreign country. Happy hunting!
TheQuestion
Being a racist jerk isn't illegal, if it was most of the people I know ages 70 and up would be in jail. Hacking, stealing card numbers, and DOS attacks are illegal and result in actual damages. And you can't really fault credit card companies from wanting to distance themselves from someone who actively highlights flaws in U.S security systems. I certainly wouldn't want to be catching the flack for that.
And if I've been reading my boards right these DoS attacks fall squarely at the feet of anon the same group that posts rapidly blinking images on Epilepsy forums and is responsible for classics like YoutubePornDay. It also looks like the attacked Gene Simmons website for giggles.
I've said it before, I'd be a supporter of these releases if they were conducted better, but from his actions, the actions of his supporters, and his interviews I find it hard to see Assange as anything other than a narcissistic anarchist.
Taka313
I still don't completely know what to think about Assange but this has got to be one of the most interesting news stories of the last 20 years in my opinion.
Taka
hottomales
It is not fair to mix those at all.
How about instead of being a supporter of the releases, you be a more vocal detractor of the wrongs of the U.S. government? Surely 20 pounds of crime weigh more than 100 ounces of crime? Then judge the supporters actions separately from those of Wikileaks.
Also, I wonder if you have considered how much information Wikileaks and dealing with and how many people they have to review data before release, and how many they could add without having leaks of their own. If your goal is perfection, we might hear something significant around the year 2019. And wait until 2025 for the next piece of useful info. What good is that?
I tell you what, why not just be down on Wikileaks when blowback happens, and not before? Or at least tell me what data exactly troubles you so?
limboinjapan
To all those who think this is somehow some form of protest or payback or whatever, I wonder who you will blame and how you will react if (or should I say when) one of these "attacks" causes you personally "denial" or "rejection" of your credit card when you are trying to pay a bill or your automatic payment doesn't go through and your cell service (or whatever other service) is cut, and when you can't get into your facebook account, make and online purchase, etc...
Are you going to again blame the USA, the Banks, the credit card companies?
My guess is that is just what you will all do, no fault on the Hackers or Wikileaks.
I can tell you from personal experience that once something like ID theft or credit card screw ups that are not of your making happen to you, fixing the problem is not easy, I should know 8 years no credit card due to the above and still not fixed, makes life hard if you want things like Airline ticket, rent a car and no way of online shopping.
hottomales
Are you going to again blame the USA, the Banks, the credit card companies?
You springboard from that to ID theft? And what credit card screw-ups could happen?
This might surprise you, but some people have lost their very lives in the name of freedom, and not always even of their own choosing. If the cost of freedom is some people unwittingly being hit with a "denial of service" on their credit card, they should be thankful it was a bullet in the brain pan!
If you use any of these services that are unfairly denying Wikileaks, then I suggest you use cash or check for a while, then switch to some company that does not roll over for enemies of freedom.
TheQuestion
Problem is I don't have a problem with the actions of the U.S government abroad. In the admittedly few documents of the leak I've read (the cables about the prisoner bribe, China on NK, and some of the documents on Middle East relations) I found the information to be either unimpressive or positive. I mean honestly, who didn't think that Yemen and Pakistan were letting the U.S take care of their dirty laundry?
Send a copy to the press secretary tell them you are going to release the information and have them review it and send back a list of suggested edits. The U.S government has more than enough bureaucrats to review it all and they're pretty good at picking out the dirty bits. Then Wikileaks can review the suggestions and make decisions as to which they feel are valid and which are not.
That doesn't work in politics, economics, or business and it doesn't work here. If wikileaks just leaks whatever they get their hands on the next release may be a list of names of CIA agents working abroad or people in the witness protection program. This seems like information that a rational person wouldn't think of releasing but the past actions of wikileaks and Assange don't generate much confidence.
Names in the summer releases mostly and, though even I saw it as obvious,the U.S actions in Yemen and Pakistan to, if nothing else, give troops a little more freedom to operate in countries in which they are allowed to operate.
SuperLib
I think the messages is "side with Wikileaks...or else..."
SuperLib
The most explosive releases, in my opinion, have involved China supporting a unified Korea, Putin being describe as the head of the Russian mob, and now the UK bowing to Libyan pressure. I think it's disingenuous to look at the global reach of the documents and continue to single out one country for your lectures. It's like a cop saying he joined the force to protect and serve, only to find out he only arrests black people. At some point you have to start questioning if there is an agenda or not. Are you at least open to the point of view that Assange might not be exactly what he claims to be?
limboinjapan
hottomales:"If you use any of these services that are unfairly denying Wikileaks, then I suggest you use cash or check for a while, then switch to some company that does not roll over for enemies of freedom"
And I suggest you learn to read!
What do you think I have been doing for the past 8 years seeing I wrote "no credit card" ! (and I guess you don't live or know much about Japan there are no personal checks here)
I think it is you who should try it, why not put your money where your mouth is and cut up all your credit card because I am sure you have at least a VISA or Master card.
And FIY a large portion of ID theft is due to just what these Hacker do they open up holes that others use to get your info that is what happened to me.
So until you have the guts to rid yourself of you Pay-pal, visa/master cards don't go telling other about what you can't do yourself.
mikehuntez
Now Hottomales is justifying illegal means to go against your enemies. So I guess he being such a liberal thinker supports water boarding and Gitmo and all the other things the US did that was questionable by the liberal thinkers minds. I'm glad he is coming around on some things but really the hate for the US he keeps spouting has me worried he won't be considered an enemy of the state. I sure hope the CIA doesn't monitor this website or I'd be scared to be some posters here.
ca1ic0cat
So the hackers think that, because they feel the two women should not have filed charges, they should attack the women's lawyer. Seems to me the hackers are saying "since we don't agree with you we will attack your right to legal counsel." I wonder what they would think if there was a DoS attack on Assange's British lawyer's website? Would that be OK? I doubt it. Amazing how two-faced this whole thing is. The very people who claim that everything should be public hide and attack other's rights. Hypocrites.
Madverts
Super,
"I think the messages is "side with Wikileaks...or else..." "
And you think it isn't the same on the other side of the fence?
Your anger on this issus is stopping you being your otherwise rational-self, no offense buddy.
SuperLib
It's starting to get to be pretty crazy. If you're an owner of a company you're better off agreeing with Wikileaks than facing the consequences. Go ahead and criticize the US or refuse to work with the US all you want. But.....don't cross Wikileaks. They'll put the gun in your mouth and their supporters will pull the trigger.
Wikileaks would be better served distancing themselves from these attacks or calling for an end to them. I'm sure there are tens of thousands of working stiffs at financial companies who aren't big Wikileaks fans right now. And taking down Amazon right before Christmas isn't going to help. The hackers are basically telling buyers, "We've decided you can't buy from this company. Oh, and we're doing it to protect freedom through transparency. Oh, and we won't tell you who we are and we can't be held accountable for our actions." I'm sure that most people who just want to buy a present will be thrilled with that.
In the end you're safer criticizing the US government than Wikileaks. Rudd just blasted the US for the leaks, and he'll be fine. But imagine if he had blasted Wikileaks instead....my guess is that any website related to him would be offline by now.
mikehuntez
ca1ic0at & SuperLib you are correct. These hypocrites can't see the forest for the trees.
TheQuestion
A lot of people have come out in support of Assange and haven’t faced attacks like this. I watched Assange's step father drop praise after praise on the guy on the news this morning. The U.S can't do anything against him because he didn't actually break any laws (the guy who leaked the info to wikileaks is a different story but I digress) all they can do is run negative PR on him.
By contrast Assange's supporters can attack companies that have done nothing but cover their own tails by bringing down their websites. The longer this goes on the more I think this has nothing to do with free speech and everything to do with online hackers using the Wikileaks cause as an excuse to mess with people and see their work on the evening news.
Madverts
Attacks like what?
C'mon, whatever you feel about the leaks, you'd'be a fool to deny the charges and chinese style internment would just not happen.
Assange should put up or shut up. If he has the dirty let's see it. Seeing the naked thoughts of diplomats was interesting, but becoming...boring
lostrune2
And there are counter-groups that are taking down the hacktivists' sites. This is the beginning of a cyber-war.
Madverts
Probably be the least deaths ever in a war!
And the US simply can't win with superior firepower....
If nothing shocking turns up very soon he's nothing but a forgotten dude in gaol anyway....
hottomales
It you that needs to learn to read! "any services" includes more than just credit cards. I listed the option of cash as well as checks. You might live in Japan, but that does not mean you don't do business elsewhere.
Last, "you" can be plural, and my message was not only for you, but all JT readers. You are not the center of the universe.
limboinjapan
hottomales:"You might live in Japan, but that does not mean you don't do business elsewhere."
Very interesting do tell us all how you go about business elsewhere from Japan if you cannot use a credit card? Checks? As I said no such thing other than corporate ones and they are the most impossible thing to cash outside or even inside Japan, Bank transfer? well considering that it cost at least ¥3500 it would not be very practical for small or medium purchases.
As I said if you find these companies so revolting and these hackers doing the right thing, have you given up your credit card yet?
Remember even if your Visa or master card are from another country they still feed the corporate "monster" you so despise in the way of royalties.
I think you talk big but when it comes to your own credit cards I doubt you will rid yourself of them.
SuperLib
Attacks that actually shut down businesses who refuse to support Wikileaks. You can't really underestimate the danger of the precedent that's being set. Today it might be Wikileaks, but if the precedent is set that attacking companies is an acceptable form of protest then it will open up Pandora's Box to any group who decides that they are just as right as the group today.
For a company like Amazon, hacking their site is the equivalent of putting pad locks on the doors of a McDonalds. Amazon doesn't have an actual store. Their store is their website. Shutting it down is the same as locking out customers. It's not like an office where losing the internet means you might jokingly return to the nostalgia of the 90s and call someone instead of email. It means you're out of business. Supporting that kind of behavior is something that's going to eventually, over time, come back and bite you in the ass. Guaranteed.
The charges are about 2 women, not the US. The Swiss are under the spotlight because of Assange's fame. What do you expect them to do....say that he's been accused of rape but they're just going to go ahead and put the case aside? It's CYOA time.
Frungy
The core of the problem is the U.S. doing stuff that is illegal, immoral or both, like shooting reporters and innocent civilians. Where's the sanction for these actions? It's non-existant. That's ridiculous.
Hey, I'm all in favour of Assange answering the charges. Whether I agree with the law in question or not is irrelevant, he allegedly broke the law in Sweden and he needs to answer for it.
HOWEVER the way this investigation is being conducted, with incredible pressure from the Swedish government when there's disagreement over whether there's even enough evidence for a case, and the way the charges were dropped and then ressurected, plus the Swedish government's direct intervention to appeal bail shows that there is considerable political interference here, and there is legitimate doubt over whether he will receive a fair trial.
Whether you agree or disagree with Assange the right to a fair trial is a basic human right and at this stage that's highly questionable. The simple fact is that he's pissed off governments across the globe and so this case needs to be handled very carefully. There are already enough irregularities to support the fact that he's being tried for political reasons and I anticipate more.
Ah_so
My American employer has blocked access to Wikileaks.
You've got to love them - trying so hard to do the right thing, earnestly towing to US government line. Bless 'em.