Hacktivist group Anonymous has become well known in recent years for protesting internet censorship as well as for paralyzing secure corporate computer systems using distributed denial of service (DDoS) tactics. As reported by several news outlets, the group is now adopting a new tactic. It has initiated a White House petition asking President Obama to recognize DDoS activity as the online embodiment of the “occupy” protest and thus freeing its participants from criminal liability.

It’s not as crazy a proposition as it might seem at first glance. The right to assemble in protest is a staple of American democracy. Angry mobs have given way to more peaceful sit-ins and rolling protests. It’s only logical for the internet to have its form. While DDoS is disruptive to business, so are protest rallies. However, DDoS is not restricted to protest. The US government announced this week that several recent DDoS attacks against American banks were directed by Iran.

While the petition is unlikely to get much in the way of official response, it will likely fuel a broader debate on regulating online activities that have both malicious potential and free speech value.