The CHurch of Scientology is under attack. A group of individual(s) have posted a direct challenge to the fabricated religion developed by ex-Navy officer L. Ron Hubbard. CNET, the tech news source, has a more detailed story.
Is this the day when we mark the genesis of a true cyber war? A war between non-nation players in which information is the only weapon? The stakes are high. Scientology is a multi-million dollar organization which is, in my opinion, a dangerous and predatory cult. It uses clear psychological manipulation to subvert an individual's will and consume their financial and physical assets. The veneer of legitimacy and belonging is held up by the likes of John Travolta, Tom Cruise and other celebreties.
For a good insight into the vulnerability of the human psyche, read Corruption of Reality by John Schumaker. For a tongue in cheek insight into Scientology, go see the Completely Unauthorized Children's Scientology Christmas Pageant.
Personally, I doubt the veracity of the threat. The video is very Sci-Fi and likely a retaliatory shot against the churh's recent litigation against the posting of a "secret" recruitment video. However, if it is real, there could be a very interesting struggle about to take place.
Nonetheless, there seems to be an appetite for this sort of action. Individuals feel empowered by the internet and threatened when a group (like Scientology) tries to restict free speech.
It may be the first day of the new war.
Is this the day when we mark the genesis of a true cyber war? A war between non-nation players in which information is the only weapon? The stakes are high. Scientology is a multi-million dollar organization which is, in my opinion, a dangerous and predatory cult. It uses clear psychological manipulation to subvert an individual's will and consume their financial and physical assets. The veneer of legitimacy and belonging is held up by the likes of John Travolta, Tom Cruise and other celebreties.
For a good insight into the vulnerability of the human psyche, read Corruption of Reality by John Schumaker. For a tongue in cheek insight into Scientology, go see the Completely Unauthorized Children's Scientology Christmas Pageant.
Personally, I doubt the veracity of the threat. The video is very Sci-Fi and likely a retaliatory shot against the churh's recent litigation against the posting of a "secret" recruitment video. However, if it is real, there could be a very interesting struggle about to take place.
Nonetheless, there seems to be an appetite for this sort of action. Individuals feel empowered by the internet and threatened when a group (like Scientology) tries to restict free speech.
It may be the first day of the new war.
