Defining a group that has no official leader is not the easiest task. It is, however, possible to understand it through its actions and its members’ explanations of them.

Throughout its history, Anonymous has been called terrorists by some media, such as the Fox affiliate in Los Angeles in 2007. More often and aggressively, this title was given to them by the church of Scientology.

Etymologically, terrorism means the use of terror. It is related to the Latin verb “terrere,” to frighten. In modern times, “terrorism” usually refers to the killing of people by non-government political activists for political reasons.

While hacktivists (those who use computers and computer networks as a means of protest to promote political ends) cannot cause terror in the traditional sense of the term, we must still educate ourselves about hacktivism. It is essential that a powerful instrument such as the Internet not become a tool of oppression.

So who are the Anonymous? Where do they come from and what do they stand for? This group comes from online image boards, such as 4chan. The link with the group’s actual political views and an image board may not appear clear, but their name: “Anonymous,” originated there.

This name was inspired by the perceived anonymity under which users could post images and comments on those websites. This name was automatically assigned to each user that did not identify itself.

Their first striking appearance happened in 2008. After a confusing video of Tom Cruise speaking about Scientology was taken off YouTube by the church itself (they sued the website), the Anonymous copied this video and began their fight against the organization.

At this time, protests were organized across the U.S. and the first symbols were adopted. The use of the famous Guy Fawkes mask was explained as “taking measures to protect your privacy and anonymity when confronted by an aggressively litigious cult — a cult whose mantra is ‘Never Defend, Always Attack!’ — is a matter of common sense.” The group also adopted the maxim “We are legion,” taken from the Bible, emphasizing the fluid and elusive nature of the group.

Democracy, transparency, freedom of speech, peace — such are the values the group at least claims to be defending. Anonymous is ardently defending the Internet, which is quite clear, keeping in mind their origins. For example, they protested against the Protect IP Act and Stop Online Privacy Act by disabling a number of websites for organizations in support of the laws, such as those belonging to the Universal Music Group, the Recording Industry Association of America and the Motion Picture Association of America.

They also targeted the FBI and the Justice Department. But their action is not limited to Internet freedom or Scientology.

In August, Anonymous supported the Syrian revolution, revealing the passwords of email accounts belonging to members of Bashar al-Assad’s cabinet. The Anonymous took down some 40 child porn sites in 2011 and released to the public more than 1,500 names of people who were using these websites heavily.

In January, to support the Occupy Nigeria movement, Anonymous joined with the People’s Liberation Front as well as the Naija Cyber Hacktivists of Nigeria to protest the removal of a vital fuel subsidy that poverty-stricken Nigerians needed. Three days after Anonymous’ attack, the Nigerian government reinstated the subsidies, even if it did it at a lower level.

Anonymous has also made its support for the 99 percent movement clear. At the time of this writing, Anonymous is currently targeting Oakland officials in retaliation for the city’s treatment of Occupy protesters.

Anonymous is everybody and nobody at the same time. It may be you tomorrow, if you decide so. Everyone has something to say because the Internet belongs to the people. Anonymous the future of social protesting.

Although one may not support Anonymous’ entire scope of protest, it is quite reassuring to see the powerful tool of the Internet in the hands of people who are concerned with human rights.

The Internet may be the last place where you can freely protest against governments and injustices around the world and in your own country. It may seem strange, but if the Anonymous scare you, your best option is to be informed about them and seek them out.

And if you are scared they could go in a direction you might not like, do not forget that you could be part of that decision, too, if you want to be.

However you feel about their future, it is clear to me that in its current form, Anonymous is a force for good. Calling a group that defends people’s right to free speech, acts as a watchdog against oppressive governments and fights against child pornography a terrorist group is either proof of a huge bias or smacks of severe ignorance.

Simon Cantarel is an economics junior.

Corrections: This column originally had Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad's name misspelled.