Flame on the Internets, Goto Jail, Don't Pass Go, Pay $200

[JaoSming]

wth?


http://news.cnet.com/Create-an-e-annoya ... 22491.html

It's no joke. Last Thursday, President Bush signed into law a prohibition on posting annoying Web messages or sending annoying e-mail messages without disclosing your true identity.
In other words, it's OK to flame someone on a mailing list or in a blog as long as you do it under your real name.

Hey shadow, Fuck You, thanks, JaoSming

[Jackal]

Oh noes...

[Eich]

Its only for USA right?

[JaoSming]

Worldwide, didn't you hear that Bush took over last night?

[Andrew]

I find it a bit funny that a law meant to protect people online also seems to require full disclosure of one's identity. While anonymity can cause problems online and facilitate harrassment and the like, it's also a pretty handy security measure as well. Remove that anonymity and it will surely become easier to stalk and harass someone in person; anyone with a nasty disposition and enough computer savvy could become quite a threat to someone they'd otherwise have limited opportunities to bother.

[Laxation]

seems that if senate didnt pass the bill, then they would have no money...

if courts see this, they can just interpret 'annoy' very tightly so no one breaks the law...

[shadowgrin]

Hey shadow, Fuck You, thanks, JaoSming

JaoSming is not your real name, Grimace.

Go to hell JaoSming. I'm past international waters. Fuck you and your laws. HA!

[Andrew]

seems that if senate didnt pass the bill, then they would have no money...

if courts see this, they can just interpret 'annoy' very tightly so no one breaks the law...

It really does need to be defined. Activities that come under the umbrella of criminal harrassment should be the limit and even then it would be difficult since tone and intention is not always obvious online.