Amazon set to be next Wikileaks protest target?

 

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By Nicole Kobie

Posted on 9 Dec 2010 at 14:33

An online group organising website attacks against anti-Wikileaks companies has locked its sights on Amazon.com, according to an "Operation Payback" Twitter feed.

The Anonymous group has been using distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks to knock offline the websites of companies that have refused to do business with Wikileaks, such as Visa, MasterCard, PayPal and Every DNS.

Amazon was one of the first firms to drop Wikileaks, refusing to host its website because the controversial site was breaking its terms of service.

A Twitter account purporting to be the "official" feed for the so-called "Operation Payback" campaign has called for its followers to start attacking the online retailer at about 4pm local time.

However, it's hard to keep track of Anonymous' Twitter feeds, as they frequently change after being shut down by the social network, and the group's site hasn't been loading all day.

Amazon uses its own cloud-based hosting service, so it will likely be a difficult target to take down.

eBook criticism

Amazon has come under further criticism on its own site after refusing to host Wikileaks, but selling an eBook collection of the leaked cables.

The collection, sold by Heinz Duthel for £7.37, has prompted calls of hypocrisy, as Amazon stands to profit should anyone pay for the book of leaked cables, which are freely available online.

"Amazon won't host Wikileaks, but they're okay to make money on Wikileaks's back," noted one commenter. "I liked Amazon until now. I don't anymore. You guys should be ashamed of yourselves."

Amazon has previously avoided pulling controversial books from its shelves, arguing it's against censorship. Last month, it pulled a book of advice for paedophiles after public pressure, but said: "Amazon does not support or promote hatred or criminal acts, however, we do support the right of every individual to make their own purchasing decisions."

The company couldn't be reached for comment immediately.

Wikileaks comments on attacks

Wikileaks has spoken up about the attacks, stressing it has no affiliation with Anonymous.

"There has been no contact between any Wikileaks staffer and anyone at Anonymous," a statement on the its website said. "Wikileaks has not received any prior notice of any of Anonymous’ actions.

However, Wikileaks refused to condemn the attacks, saying they are "similar in nature to those recieved - and endured - by the Wikileaks website over the past week, since the publication of the first of 250,000 US Embassy Cables."

Wikileaks spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson added: “We neither condemn nor applaud these attacks. We believe they are a reflection of public opinion on the actions of the targets.”