Oppose ISIS, but don't credit anonymous

Indeed, if a corporation or public institution dares to challenge the credibility of Anonymous, that organisation is liable to face an attack.

Anonymous does not, as a constituency, engage in debate or call for action through legitimate channels.

It seeks a shortcut to influence; a way to inflict its will without going through the channels accepted by society – including the voting booth or, in the case of companies, the courts.

The group also has no recognisable leadership, nobody who can be called upon to speak for the group or held responsible for actions carried out in its name.

In fact, internal dissent seems to be a feature of its culture, including disagreement about whether the group should focus on pranks or more serious political statements. It may well be that some members of Anonymous actually agree with the sentiments expressed above.

In our desire to overcome the threat of ISIS, we should think twice about giving recognition and credibility to groups like Anonymous who do not play by any rules but their own.