Malaysia's government says it is taking steps to prevent a threatened attack on its website by a global Internet hacker group upset over official censorship practices.
The group, which has dubbed itself "Anonymous," posted a video message on various websites saying the government's efforts to block access to at least 10 file-sharing websites amounts to a denial of basic human rights.
The group said it is "obligated to act fast and have no mercy" in carrying out the attack. However, there had been no reported disruption hours after the threatened Wednesday morning deadline.
Malaysian officials say they restrict access to the websites because they allowed individuals to illegally download copyrighted entertainment content.
"Anonymous" first gained prominence when it launched a cyberattack against financial transaction companies Visa, Mastercard and Paypal. The companies had cut off services to WikiLeaks after it began publishing secret U.S. diplomatic cables.
The group has attacked official websites in a number of countries, including Turkey. Authorities there arrested dozens of suspected hackers believed to have ties with "Anonymous."
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
