Anonymous threatens Sony over PS3 jailbreak lawsuits

Internet vigilante group Anonymous is focusing its efforts on Sony, according to a letter published on the group’s website.

“Congratulations! You are now receiving the attention of Anonymous. Your recent legal actions against fellow internet citizens, GeoHot and Graf_Chokolo have been deemed an unforgivable offense against free speech and internet freedom,” the letter states.

Earlier this year, Sony sued George “GeoHot” Hotz and members of the hacking group fail0verflow for their work in publicizing the Playstation 3 jailbreak. Sony, who claims that the jailbreak exposes the PS3 to piracy risks, accused the hackers of violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and the Computer Fraud Abuse Act. Hotz has maintained that his PS3 hacking was intended to restore the capability of installing Linux on the console — not piracy.

In February, Sony filed a lawsuit against Alexander “graf_chokolo” Egorenkov after he published research related to security loopholes in the PS3.

Sony’s actions against Hotz have been the center of attention in recent weeks. Sony has won access to both Hotz’ PayPal records and access to IP addresses for anyone who has ever visited his personal website. Two weeks ago, Sony accused Hotz of fleeing to South America to avoid legal action. Hotz replied in a blog post stating that he was merely on a long-planned vacation.

Apparently, Anonymous has had enough.

“You have abused the judicial system in an attempt to censor information about how your products work,” Anonymous’ letter continues. “You have victimized your own customers merely for possessing and sharing information, and continue to target those who seek this information. In doing so you have violated the privacy of thousands of innocent people who only sought the free distribution of information.”

Anonymous drew worldwide attention last year after a series of denial of service attacks were directed at Visa, Mastercard and PayPal for actions perceived to be taken in opposition to Wikileaks. It’s likely that Anonymous will attempt to try and use some of the tactics now against Sony.

“In light of this assault on both rights and free expression, Anonymous, the notoriously handsome rulers of the internet, would like to inform you that you have only been “renting” your web domains,” the letter reads. “Having trodden upon Anonymous’ rights, you must now be trodden on.”

So far, Sony’s websites appear to be unaffected.