NY Republicans propose ‘clearly unconstitutional’ ban on anonymous online comments
Published: 4:24 PM 05/23/2012
early half of the Republicans serving in the New York State Assembly have proposed legislation that would ban anonymous online comments.
If enacted, the legislation would require websites — including social networks and online newspapers — to remove all anonymous comments that are brought to the attention of administrators.
An anonymous comment could remain if the author “agrees to attach his or her name to the post and confirms that his or her IP address, legal name, and home address are accurate.”
UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh told The Daily Caller that the bill is “clearly unconstitutional.”
“The Supreme Court has held for 50 years that anonymous speech is protected,” explained Volokh, pointing to the 1960 case Talley v. California. “This kind of breach of anonymity on demand is just not constitutional.”
There is a number of forums that I use my real name and demographics. That's my decision. But this is certainly a freedom of speech violation if passed. WHat next? Having protestors wearing name badges? If there are any liberal out there against this, for once we agree on something.
