Can you hide behind an “anonymous” blog?

Post date: August 20th, 2009

It seems that you can no longer remain as anonymous on the Worldwide Web as you think.  Google’s Blogger has now been directed by the Manhattan Supreme Court to reveal the identity of the blogger who made defamatory statements about a model Liskula Cohen. The blogger’s lawyer argued that these comments are his opinions and hyperbole – trash talk, if you will – but Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Joan Madden decided that “the thrust of the blog is that [Cohen] is a sexually promiscuous woman,” and that Cohen is entitled to sue the blogger for defamation.

As we all know, the internet is full of offensive comments and broad negative statements of all kinds. Right or wrong, this landmark decision will set a precedent for the future.  On the positive side, this decision will make people think twice about posting offensive posts and comments about someone, as they’re no longer protected by the anonymity of the internet. On the downside, let’s hope it does not cause an over reaction and bring about legislation that will make life on the internet difficult.

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