Anonymous Internet Harassment Federal Crime
Internet harassment, the anonymous kind, is now a federal crime.
The Communications Act of 1934 criminalizes anonymous harassment by a telecommunications device. Congress recently amended the law to criminalize anonymous harassment via the Internet (PDF copy of bill).
Some argue that the law curtails freedom of speech. Perhaps. If someone is blogging or commenting anonymously about a private citizen in an “obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, or indecent” manner ” with intent to “annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass,” it is actionable, according to the new law. But should someone have the freedom to do that? Apparently Congress doesn’t think so. What do you think?
Other bloggers: Buzzmachine, Micro Persuasion…
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January 11th, 2006 at 6:21 am
Considering the fact that it merely is an extension of a past law, updated to reflect technical advances, I’m not sure what all the fuss is about.
No one is being denied the freedom to express their opinion either - they just have to be brave enough to associate some sort of identitiy with it.
The biggest problem here is the ability to actually enforce this law. From my perspective, nearly impossible as technology currently exists.
January 12th, 2006 at 9:57 am
Anonymity, Identity, and the Internet
When it comes to the recent amendment, regarding a change to make anonymity and online annoyance a federal crime, I’m not sure why there is such a the big fuss.
My position, as articulated at the Corante Web Hub and in my comments throughout t…
January 16th, 2006 at 12:36 am
[…] atch your blog posts if you are commenting using a pseudonym or posting anonymously. More here. Technorati Tag: Blogging Harassment
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January 19th, 2006 at 9:46 am
I need some help in locating the proper authorities for internet harrassment.
I have receive anonymous and threatening emails. There is also an individual on a political website that I frequent that had inadvertantly found out my real name and continues to post it in his blogs after I have requested twice that he stop.
I have already contacted my logcal police dept., they said they can’t do anything.
I’ve called my local F.B.I. office, they won’t return my phone calls.
Anyone know where I can go for help?