Taiwanese Hacking Group Anonymous 64 Targets Mainland China, Sparks Controversy
Government calls for vigilance against alleged anti-propaganda activities.
Taiwan- Taiwanese hacking group known as Anonymous 64 has been actively targeting sites in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, according to a statement from China’s national security ministry on Monday. The ministry urged internet users to report incidents of “anti-propaganda sabotage.”
Since the start of the year, Anonymous 64—identified by the ministry as part of Taiwan’s cyber warfare efforts—has reportedly aimed to upload and disseminate content that undermines the mainland’s political structure and key policies. This content has been shared across various platforms, including websites, outdoor displays, and network television stations, as outlined in a blog post from the ministry.
The tensions between Taiwan and China have been escalating, with Taiwan frequently accusing Chinese entities of attempting to spread disinformation and execute cyberattacks on the island, which operates under a democratic government. China, claiming sovereignty over Taiwan, has increased military and political pressure over the past five years to reinforce its claims.
The hacking group established an X account in June 2023, where they shared screenshots showcasing their efforts to broadcast videos that compare Chinese President Xi Jinping to an emperor. This action coincided with the second anniversary of protests against Beijing’s stringent COVID-19 measures, as well as the commemoration of the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations. One of the videos featured a member of Anonymous 64 donning the iconic Guy Fawkes mask, reminiscent of the graphic novel and film *V for Vendetta*.
Neither the X account nor the blog post from the national security ministry clarified whether Anonymous 64 is connected to the international hacking collective known as Anonymous. The Taiwanese government’s Mainland Affairs Council has not provided immediate comments on the situation.
Reuters was unable to verify the group’s location or the legitimacy of the hacking activities attributed to them. In its blog post on WeChat, the most widely used social media platform in China, the national security ministry stated that its investigation revealed many of the websites Anonymous 64 claimed to have accessed were either fake or received little to no traffic. Additionally, they alleged that the group’s claims of infiltrating various university and media websites were doctored images.
The national security ministry released screenshots from the group’s X account, but much of the text was heavily redacted. It also announced that a case had been opened against three members of Taiwan’s cyber warfare division.
In its blog post, the ministry called for internet users to refrain from spreading rumors and to report any cyberattacks or instances of anti-propaganda activities to national security authorities promptly. This plea highlights the Chinese government’s ongoing efforts to control information and counter perceived threats from Taiwanese groups.
As cyber warfare continues to be a significant component of the broader geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China, both sides remain vigilant. Anonymous 64’s activities are part of a growing trend of using digital platforms for political expression and activism, especially as Taiwan seeks to assert its identity and resist Chinese influence.
The situation underscores the complexities of cybersecurity in the region, with accusations and counter-accusations becoming commonplace as both Taiwan and China navigate their fraught relationship in an increasingly digital world.
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