Anonymous has been called many things, mostly in relation to computer hacking hackers, hacktivists, an international hacking collective but the so-called group is really more of a way of life than something that's easily definable. Anonymous has changed the way the world thinks about hacking by turning it into a form of social activism. A fixture with the Occupy Wall Street protests, Anonymous has also been linked to nefarious hacks, like the one that took down Sony's PlayStation Network this year. Yet it has reportedly been engaged in vigilante justice as well, including the takedown of a massive child-pornography ring. Despite having no central leadership, Anonymous' reputation has grown thanks to the nature of its anyone-can-join mentality. Did Anonymous members really threaten a Mexican drug cartel? Did they really take down the PlayStation Network? That's the power and peril of an organization as inherently disorganized as Anonymous.
From tsunamis to budget battles to revolutions, 2011 has been a tumultuous, news-packed year. Who influenced the news most, for better or worse? Tradition dictates that TIME's editors choose the Person of the Year. Now that voting has closed, view the final ratings.