Some Twitter accounts of ISIS (Islamic State) militants were hacked and replaced with links to gay pornography and gay pride messages. Accounts that once spewed hatred and violence are now displaying gay pride flags.
Pro-ISIS Twitter accounts hacked
After last Sunday’s attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, many accounts of ISIS followers were hacked. Now on one pro-ISIS account, a rainbow-colored profile picture boasts, “I’m gay and I’m proud.” The hackers replaced the militant propaganda messages and imagery with pro-LGBT messages, links to same-sex pornography and rainbow flags.
“I did it for the lives lost in Orlando. Daesh [ISIS] have been spreading and praising the attack, so I thought I would defend those that were lost. The taking of innocent lives will not be tolerated,” WauchulaGhost told Newsweek. According to Newsweek, WauchulaGhost has been hacking pro-terror accounts for several months.
The hackers made it clear that they are not insulting or offending Muslims, and they were not using graphic porn. Their actions are directed at Jihadist extremists.
“Many of our own [group of hackers] are Muslim and we respect all religions that do not take innocent lives,” the hacker said.
Months ago, a hacker group affiliated with WauchulaGhost, Anonymous, started hijacking the pro-ISIS Twitter accounts. He and two other hackers, Ebony and Yeti, have taken control of about 200 Twitter accounts belonging to ISIS followers. Many of those accounts have been removed by the micro-blogging giant as part of its mission to remove propaganda accounts.
Did it for the lives lost in Orlando
On Wednesday in an emailed statement, WauchulaGhost told the Huffington Post that he actually used some of the jacked accounts to create confusion.
“I will DM other followers and hold a conversation, then inform them I am not who they thought I was. … So now, they aren’t sure who is friend or foe.”
He told the website that he took screenshots of every account he jacked.
“Images are before and after they are defaced.”
The hacker added that the owners may attempt to recover their Twitter accounts by resetting the password, but it cannot be done as they have the accounts now. According to WauchulaGhost, at least five others are helping to carry out the mission. Also others are helping the hackers in flagging the pro-ISIS accounts. WauchulaGhost tweeted a request after the Orlando club shooting, asking for the names of accounts praising the shooting that wounded 53 and killed 49 innocents.
