Series Review: "The Most Hated Man on the Internet" (2022).

"In the web of revenge, no one is off limits." This is The Most Hated Man on the Internet. This documentary series directed by Rob Miller. The documentary series centers on Hunter Moore and his website, IsAnyoneUp.com - one of the earliest and most notorious homes of revenge porn. In a lawless internet world circa 2010, unlikely allies band together to seek justice and ultimately uncover unexpected secrets. In the web of revenge, no one is off limits - even Hunter Moore. 

In late 2010, the online pornographic website, Is Anyone Up?, was founded by Hunter Moore. It was based on stolen and hacked photos. It allowed users to submit photographs or videos anonymously, mainly nude, erotic, and sexually explicit images. The site was closely associated with the metalcore and post-hardcore music scene, also featuring and depicting numerous nude photos of musicians of these genres. The website was subject to great controversy because of the prevalence of revenge porn submissions to the service, many of which were submitted by former romantic partners without consent and with malicious intent. Many of the submitted revenge porn images were obtained as a result of multiple email account hacks. The ongoing incidents resulted in numerous lawsuits and even death threats aimed at Moore. He refused to take down pictures on request. Moore called himself "a professional life ruiner" and compared himself to Charles Manson. The website was up for sixteen months, during which Moore stated several times he was protected by the same laws that protect Facebook. Moore also paid a hacker to break into email accounts of victims and steal private photos to post. In 2012, the FBI started an investigation on Moore after receiving evidence from the mother of one of the victims. In late April 2012, the website was eventually shut down and sold to an anti-bullying group. In November 2015, Moore was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, a $2,000 fine, and $145.70 in restitution.

Throughout her reportage, Miller doesn't judge any of the victims, but rather outlines, terrifyingly, how easily it could happen to virtually anyone. The series, like the man who founded it, takes inspiration from, plays on the worst aspects of human emotion; this is TV as a freak-show. So to watch one such individual who preyed on desperate and foolish souls receive the painful humiliation he so desperately craves for, well, that makes the series not just a binge, but a delicious rewatch. The best thing about the doco is the group of past victims who sit before the cameras and tell their stories with hefty helpings of honesty, humour and of course, heartbreak. Miller has compiled the evidence in a way that captures and holds your attention and builds suspense, especially as the con man's scheme starts crumbling in the second half of the movie. The series shows in chilling and heartbreaking details the dark side of the internet through revenge porn. It's a cautionary tale about the destructive power that certain images can bring down anyone to the lowest level of existence.

Simon says The Most Hated Man on the Internet receives: