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Young Writers Society


New Jersey Bill Would Prohibit Anonymous Internet Postings



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425 Reviews



Gender: Male
Points: 11417
Reviews: 425
Tue Mar 07, 2006 3:43 pm
Nate says...



Found this on Drudge Report...
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills ... 327_I1.HTM

Summary:
This bill would require an operator of any interactive computer service or an Internet service provider to establish, maintain and enforce a policy requiring an information content provider who posts messages on a public forum website either to be identified by legal name and address or to register a legal name and address with the operator or provider prior to posting messages on a public forum website.

The bill requires an operator of an interactive computer service or an Internet service provider to establish and maintain reasonable procedures to enable any person to request and obtain disclosure of the legal name and address of an information content provider who posts false or defamatory information about the person on a public forum website.

In addition, the bill makes any operator or Internet service provider liable for compensatory and punitive damages as well as costs of a law suit filed by a person damaged by the posting of such messages if the operator or Internet service provider fails to establish, maintain and enforce the policy required by section 2 of the bill.
  





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425 Reviews



Gender: Male
Points: 11417
Reviews: 425
Tue Mar 07, 2006 3:54 pm
Nate says...



I don't know if this would affect YWS or not. For most, it definitely wouldn't, but if you're a resident of New Jersey and this bill passes, it may have an effect on you. Although, it still may not since YWS is based in Maryland.

My guess, though, is that this not affect sites like YWS. Anonymous postings are already not allowed.
  





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Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:05 pm
kiashana says...



That seems a little ridiculous. Isn't it kind of against the spirit of the Internet to force people to identify themselves? So much internet content exists only because the writers are anonymous. Since you live in the DC area, I'm sure you heard about Wonkette. Would her blog have even existed if her name had to be public from the start?
I don't see this passing in any legislature without being contested and sent to the courts.
  








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