Richard Stallman, who called Hammond “a fine example of a socially responsible hacker”.

“People should not be allowed to enter others’ computers without permission; but when punishing someone for virtual trespassing, we ought to consider his motive,” wrote Stallman. “Those who trespass as part of a nonviolent protest, either physically or virtually, should not receive severe punishments. Those who act neither for gain nor for malice should not receive severe punishments. Imagine where our country would be if the civil rights and antiwar sit-ins had been punished by years in prison!”