In a striking move that has set the tech world abuzz, the hacktivist group Anonymous has launched a direct attack on Elon Musk, accusing the billionaire of using his immense influence for personal gain. The group, known for its bold and often controversial actions, took aim at Musk’s role in the cryptocurrency market, his management of his companies, and his controversial handling of Twitter, now rebranded as X.
A Tense Empire Under Scrutiny
Anonymous didn’t mince words in their latest manifesto, published on their official website. The group lambasted Musk for what they describe as toxic influence on the cryptocurrency market, accusing him of manipulating the values of digital currencies like Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Ethereum. According to Anonymous, Musk’s tweets have caused massive volatility, costing small investors millions of dollars. “He treats the economy like a mobile game,” the hacktivists stated, pointing to how Musk’s public remarks can cause massive shifts in the digital economy.
However, their criticisms extend beyond the world of cryptocurrencies. Anonymous also questioned the true extent of Musk’s contributions to his companies, particularly Tesla and SpaceX. While both companies are undeniably revolutionary, the hacktivists argue that many of the advancements attributed to Musk are actually the result of hard work from engineers, scientists, and researchers—not Musk himself.
The Working Conditions at Tesla: A Closer Look
Another focal point of Anonymous’ criticism is the working conditions at Tesla’s factories. The group highlighted the grueling work hours, unrelenting pressure, and questionable wages that many employees face on the factory floor. “A libertarian façade hides a very real exploitation,” they stated, suggesting that while Musk champions free-market ideals, his companies are not immune to criticism for labor practices that many view as unfair or exploitative.
Twitter’s Transformation Under Musk
The hacktivist group’s criticisms also extended to Musk’s controversial management of Twitter, now rebranded as X. Since acquiring the social media platform, Musk has been accused of abandoning important content moderation policies, leading to a rise in hate speech and misinformation. According to several reports, including one from the Center for Combating Digital Hate, hate speech on Twitter surged by 50% after Musk’s takeover, sparking alarm about the platform’s role in fostering online toxicity.
Musk’s Cult of Personality
Beyond his business dealings, Anonymous also took issue with the way Musk is celebrated by his supporters. The group criticized the cult of personality that surrounds him, with Musk’s most fervent followers reportedly harassing those who dare to criticize him. Anonymous describes this phenomenon as “a cult of personality worthy of a sect,” warning about the dangers of blind adoration. They also raised concerns about Musk’s increasing influence on the U.S. government, pointing to his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a program designed to streamline public spending. According to Anonymous, this initiative has been used as a tool to cut essential public budgets while simultaneously strengthening Musk’s grip on the government.
Anonymous Strikes Back: A Cyberattack on DOGE
In a bold response to their grievances, Anonymous recently launched a cyberattack on DOGE, briefly taking down its official website. When the site came back online, a provocative message was displayed on the homepage: “They left their database unprotected.” While Anonymous did not claim responsibility for the attack, the message was clear: this was a signal that the digital war between Elon Musk and Anonymous was far from over.
As this digital battle continues to unfold, it’s clear that Musk’s controversial influence is facing significant pushback. Whether Anonymous’ actions will spark broader public discourse or provoke further retaliation from Musk remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the hacktivists are not backing down anytime soon.
