Vigilante Justice

Recently the Jester (th3j35t3r) has come under increased public scrutiny as a result of his wikileaks attack and ensuing scuffle with Anonymous. His behavior is illegal, but legal and ethical are not always synonymous. The internet is a lawless frontier much like the wild west: the government cannot police it, but citizens cannot simply allow themselves to be thrown to the wolves. We have the right to defend ourselves and the responsibility to defend others when the government can or does not. For example, Batman is a one-man vigilante; still, he is typically viewed as a hero—we find something noble and good in him. The Jester has similarly inspired others: people leave words of support on his blog; some ask how they can help; and others are thinking of more villains, such as child pornography, to target next. Vigilante justice is a complicated beast. Are the Jester's actions lawful? No. Are the Jester's actions ethical? Considering that his attacks aid law enforcement, hinder terrorist communication, protect lives, and cause no collateral damage, I would be inclined to say that they are.