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BBC Twitter Accounts Hacked By Pro-Assad Syrian Electronic Army

Posted by timothy on from the revolutionaries-in-the-amphitheatre dept.

DavidGilbert99 writes "Following BBC Weather on Twitter seems like it wouldn't throw up too many surprises — possibly news of the odd blizzard now and again. But today, the account's 60,000 followers got a little more than 'chance of a light drizzle' when the pro-Assad Syrian Electronic Army hacked the account, along with a couple of other BBC accounts, in an apparent protest at what it sees as reports which don't show the Syrian regime in the best light." Also at the BBC itself.

2 of 129 comments (clear)

  1. Hacking is the great equalizer by concealment · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I don't know what the truth of the situation is in Syria, but I know that:

    (a) Western media seems to present a similar point of view no matter which source you're watching/reading

    (b) Western governments seem to agree with the media

    (c) There are few opposing voices in government or media

    For this reason, it means that anyone with a contrary viewpoint is facing a giant media bloc composed of the most powerful governments and media producers in history.

    Hacking is an equalizer. With relatively few people, and relatively low investment, it allows hackers to use the notoriety of the hack to present their point of view.

  2. Re:Assad by Richard_at_work · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I think one of the main issues in this media conflict is that the general overall view being put over is one of "Assad" vs "The opposition fighters", with a lot of western media glossing over the fact that most of the opposition fighters are no better than Assad. Assad is not someone I would ever wish to support, but the same goes for the vast majority of those who are fighting his regime at the moment - it really is "the lesser of two evils", and somewhat of a decision no one ever would want to make.