comments libel
A potential game-changer for online comment boards
A judge in Tarrant County, Tex., ordered a news site (Topix) to disclose the ID's of 178 comment-posters to a story about three people accused of sexually assaulting a woman. Turned out that the three were found not guilty but that that didn't stop the commenters from accusing them of vile things, so two of the three (a married couple) are suing the commenters for libel. (But, but, but—the Internet's supposed to be anonymous. On the Internet, people are not supposed to be able to find out you're a dog.) WFAA-TV (Fort Worth)
A judge in Tarrant County, Tex., ordered a news site (Topix) to disclose the ID's of 178 comment-posters to a story about three people accused of sexually assaulting a woman. Turned out that the three were found not guilty but that that didn't stop the commenters from accusing them of vile things, so two of the three (a married couple) are suing the commenters for libel. (But, but, but—the Internet's supposed to be anonymous. On the Internet, people are not supposed to be able to find out you're a dog.) WFAA-TV (Fort Worth)
Comments
So, all of a sudden, people are finding out that NOTHING is secret in the net? Have you checked YOUR profile lately? :ahhh:
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 02/10/09 at 10:22 AM
Where s it written that the internet is supposed to be anonymous? Confidential, perhaps, but not anonymous. You hve a legal internet connection? Then someone knows what you're up to. It's as simple as that. Plus, that whole internet-anonyity thing gives too many people license to be assholes whenever they like.
Posted by kingmonkey in Athens, Ontario on 02/10/09 at 10:54 AM
When will people learn that the internet is NOT a free speech zone? I love it when responders/repliers/posters scream about free speech whenever they are edited or deleted. Don't they understand that that forums/websites/etc are ultimately owned by someone and that that someone can do whatever the h*ll they want with them? Up to and including tracking and reporting the users.
Posted by AGFH on 02/10/09 at 11:06 AM
My rule is never post anything I'd be ashamed to have on my desk at work. Not that I'd post it on my door or anything, but if someone sees it, I can live with it.
Posted by BikerPuppy on 02/10/09 at 11:20 AM
While I heartily agree with the above comments I think that this case will get thrown out because a local judge has no jurisdiction over what can be argued is interstate commerce.
Posted by StanFlouride on 02/10/09 at 02:47 PM
I must say that is one wonderful thing about this site. I have yet to see a flame war.
Posted by DownCrisis on 02/10/09 at 10:08 PM
Topix is like the internet version of Gary, IN
Posted by One of them guys on 02/10/09 at 10:25 PM
This is the least offensive message board Ive ever posted on.
Anonymity fosters aggressive behavior. The net should be more transparent
Anonymity fosters aggressive behavior. The net should be more transparent
Posted by One of them guys on 02/10/09 at 11:07 PM
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