The end of the illusion of anonymous blogging
ADOTAS — Not that you could truly be anonymous for the most part anyway, but it looks as if the courts are pushing to make unmasking easier.
Google was forced to hand over the identifying information of an anonymous blogger who had insulted a model on “Skanks in NYC,” a now-defunct site. Liskula Cohen had argued that she had been defamed by the site’s anonymous proprietor and needed to find out who that person was in order to sue him or her. And a court agreed.
Now I’m of two minds on this. I’ve turned against the idea that people should rip other people anonymously, whether through blogs or comments. The discourse can become quickly poisoned, and I think it hurts the web in general.
On the other hand, important leaked information from people who either could get fired or worse has been a long and revered tradition in journalism. Certain types of whistleblowing are now even protected because of retaliation against people who released information that was in the public interest.
I don’t like government getting involved, but I don’t think a self-regulated crackdown on anonymity is a bad thing in the long run. People should stand behind what they write. Having said that, I’m not changing the policy here. If someone crosses the line, I pipe in and warn them. Then, if they can’t stay civil, and on this side of libel, I’ll delete their comment with, usually, a note. For now, that’s the best route.
Reader Comments.
There should be some regulation, certainly. But the free spirit of internet must not be touched. Ain’t enough the troll masses?
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