[Infowarrior] - What's behind the NY bills to ban anonymous online comments

[Richard Forno]

What's behind the NY bills to ban anonymous online comments

commentary Let's take a closer look at proposed legislation in New York that would eradicate anonymous online speech. Whose interests are being served?


by Violet Blue May 24, 2012 4:00 AM PDT  
 
In New York state, legislators in both chambers have proposed bills that would force Web sites to police the identities of anonymous commenters. 

Under the proposed Internet Protection Act (S06779), when anyone complains about an anonymous (or pseudonymous) comment, the Web site must make the commenter attach their "real name" to the comment or the anonymous comment would by law have to be removed. 

That's right: if someone doesn't like your comment the Web site will be legally bound to make you reveal your identity. The accused commenter will also be required to verify that his or her "IP address, legal name and home address are accurate." 

Since most Web sites don't have the resources or time to police comments in such an overreaching manner, the Internet Protection Act, if passed, will most likely result in the mass deletion of comments for any reason -- or none at all. New York Web sites might just save themselves trouble by adopting a "real names" policy, similar to Google Plus and Facebook. 

The identity of those complaining will not need to be verified as "real."

Republican Assemblyman Jim Conte says his legislation will address the problem of "mean-spirited and baseless political attacks." 

Conte, who is the proud author of the Internet Protection Act, also says his legislation will stop "anonymous criticism of local businesses" and will stop "cyberbullies by forcing them to reveal their identity."

Commenters in various forums are saying this is a free speech issue, plan and simple. But how would not being able to post anonymously violate First Amendment protections? 

The First Amendment implications of the Internet Protection Act could range from silencing speech to determining whether or not commenters have free speech protections -- or whether entering into a contract with a Web site (its use) means giving up one's constitutional rights. 

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http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57439715-93/whats-behind-the-ny-bills-to-ban-anonymous-online-comments/


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