End of the Line for Cyberbullies?
CNN.com reports the New York Supreme Court ruled that a blogging service must reveal the I.P. address and e-mail address of an individual who routinely harassed and attacked a person online.
The judge cited a similar ruling in Virginia. From the CNN article:
“The protection of the right to communicate anonymously must be balanced against the need to assure that those persons who choose to abuse the opportunities presented by this medium can be made to answer for such transgressions,” the judge said, quoting the Virginia decision.
The ruling applies only in New York state, but hopefully we’re one step closer to a similar federal law.
Cowards have flocked to the Internet, where they can live out their fantasies attacking people more successful than them. I’m a firm believer that individuals must be responsible for the words they speak, literally or virtually. This doesn’t abridge freedom of speech, because you still have the right to say what’s on your mind. The difference is you’re now responsible for what you say, if you abuse your right.
In New York. And Virginia. Hopefully, it will soon be nationwide.
FutureAngels.com 