[gdcbyers]

How does breaking into private systems and releasing customers personal information expose abuse and corruption or promote human rights?

Does Sony commit human rights atrocities I am not aware of? The exposed poor security in select system, perhaps. Does that amount to abuse, corruption or human rights violations? Hardly, irresponsibility at worst.

[antihero]

I think that the point is, because they did it, someone else could - they released the info so people could change their passwords, as opposed to using that information for nefarious purposes. It's quite common for companies as large as Sony to simply ignore things like this until they become a problem. So they're making it a problem, but one that is transparent.

[gdcbyers]

"they released the info so people could change their passwords"

They didn't need to release it for people to change their passwords. Wouldn't proving they compromised the database have be enough? Why does releasing innocent people's information constitute some kind of act of heroism? They did use it for nefarious purposes. They used it for their own personal gain (media/hype/pleasure/whatever). Don't be fooled into thinking they some how did this with your best interest at heart. Not having your info released was what was in your best interest.

They are no more transparent about their operations then Sony is. I find it hard to take people who preach about transparency well wearing the mask of anonymity seriously.

To hold these kids up as an example of "social justice" or some kind of "social movement" or even "security movement" is ludicrous. They are criminals. The only direct benefit of their actions was their own recognition, something the community seemed all too willing to give them.

You really think Sony is now going to be more open about their security practices? Dream on space cadet.