Actions to Identify Anonymous Internet Posters on the Rise

Mayer Brown ^ | 4-13-11 | Mayer Brown

[bigbob]

Technology that provides a platform for Internet users to express their views on a range of topics has proliferated over the past several years. Many of these technologies, such as financial message boards, blogs, social networking websites and e-mail, allow users, or “posters,” to express themselves anonymously by using pseudonyms traceable only through the hosts of the sites or their Internet service providers. As such speech has increased, so to have actions against Internet-based companies—such as Yahoo!, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft—seeking to discover the identity of someone who posted allegedly defamatory material. But courts have adopted a standard that creates challenges to obtaining this information.

[bigbob]

Mayer Brown is a law firm that sends free legal updates by email. I thought this one would be of interest - you can download a copy of the report for free at the link above. It is not required to register or provide identification to download.

[TruthConquers]

So, does this mean that the paid trolls will have to identify themselves?

Fat chance!

[screaminsunshine]

This ain’t me.

[thoolou]

Tor, baby, TOR! It’s like an ogre, heh!

[UCANSEE2]

I can help. We all look like this.

[TribalPrincess2U]

B.A.S.T.A.R.D.S.

[the invisib1e hand]

Universal-citizenship alert. This is how it happens.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I suggest that those who are keen to detect and discover the real identity of any poster of allegedly defamatory material adopt a new protocol;

Grow a thicker skin.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Excellent!

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...