The Decibel Former Anonymous hacker worries he helped elect Trump
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Jun 2, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Alexandra Posadzki, a financial and cybercrime reporter at The Globe and Mail, interviews Aubrey Cottle, a former member of Anonymous facing legal challenges. They explore how the hacker group's early activism evolved into associations with toxic online culture and far-right movements. Cottle reflects on the unexpected political fallout from their actions, grappling with guilt over their role in amplifying misinformation during pivotal elections. This conversation reveals a deep dive into the darker side of the internet's influence on real-world politics.
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Aubrey's Early Life & Entry into Hacking
- Aubrey Cottle grew up immersed in early internet technology, having a Commodore 64 and dial-up modem in his room.
- Childhood bullying and his time in mental health facilities shaped his path into hacking and software piracy.
4chan's Evolution & Meme Culture
- 4chan originated as a place for edgy and controversial content, becoming the birthplace of internet memes.
- The platform evolved from pranks to a hub attracting varied users, eventually turning toxic and uncontrollable.
Anonymous' Political Shift & Influence
- Anonymous initially leaned left politically, supporting causes like Occupy Wall Street and opposing easy targets such as neo-Nazis.
- Far-right users later appropriated their tactics, spreading disinformation and influencing political events including Trump's rise.