Bloggers not safe from impersonating the police
By Mike Ferro
Some have called the Internet the new Wild West without law or order. It seems the hot issues that have been cropping up lately revolve around distinguishing the line between free speech and harassment. The Texas police have had enough as they are now planning on arresting those impersonating and insulting them on the Web.
According to CNET, Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo is considering pursuing commenters on blogs who have either insulted or impersonated him and his officers. According to Acevedo, the comments the bloggers made went beyond the boundaries of legal tolerance. Options being discussed range from libel suit to criminal charges.
For years Internet users have relied on the safety of anonymity the Web provides. Users felt safe voicing their opinions and saying things they would never say out in public. However, at times users have taken advantage of this ‘cloak of anonymity’ by taking things one step further by becoming vocally abusive or insulting.
Users are used to getting harassed and insulted on the Internet. For many this has become a part of the nuance with dealing with people online. However, recently well known individuals getting insulted by bloggers have taken actions to fight back. We recently covered a story where a New York court ordered Google to reveal the identity of an anonymous blogger who was accused of libeling a former model.
This news caused a bit of controversy in the Web community as this was a stark reminder that no one is truly anonymous on the Internet. This explosive situation with the Austin, Texas police seems to be a similar situation. Acevedo’s concern stems from those who might mislead and lie about the police organization publicly.
Apparently, Texas also passed a state law Sept. 1 that targets online bloggers who “use another person’s name to post messages on a social-networking site without their permission and with the intent to harm, defraud, intimidate or threaten.” Those convicted will be charged with third-degree felony. It will be interesting to see if the Texas police department will flex this law for the first time.
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September 27th, 2009
You made some great points Mike. Texas’ new law for online impersonation will go a little, but good ways towards of setting the absurdity of section 230C of the CDA.
As an FYI, the “former model” you mentioned is still active in modeling.
I would like to see Web application developers implement an additional layer of poor impulse control into every “submit comment” button found online. It would go something like this:
1. Click submit
2. Pop-up: “Is what you are saying nice, necessary and truthful? If it is true, but not nice, will it be generally beneficial to those who read it?”
3. Click yes (or “no, let me start over”)
4. If yes, Pop-up: “are you sure? Did you take your happy pills today? Have you had your coffee? Would your mum let you post this? …..This is your last chance!”
5. Click yes (or “no, let me start over”)
Regards,
Michael Roberts
Internet Libel Victim’s Advocate
http://www.rexxfield.com
September 27th, 2009
Such popups would be totally ineffective.
No new law was needed to prosecute for impersonating a police officer. Except for lazy prosecutors. And to make legislators feel good to tell people they “did something” when we know they didn’t.
And anybody that thinks they are anonymous on the internet is just plain stupid.
September 27th, 2009
There’s a lot of vandals and petty criminals out there ducking behind a curtain of “free speech” when what they really want is unaccountability and anarchy. And a lot of people like me have become totally in favor of a clamp down on them but just afraid to voice our opinion. Reason is these bloggers often bully and chase any voice against their vile behavior. They also have a very bad influence on newcomers, somethig’s got to give.
September 29th, 2009
I can understand concerns about impersonating a cop. But, insulting?!? Are you freaking crazy?!? You know how broadly that can be interpreted?
Does this mean when I blog about a cop who is being corrupt or on the take, I can go to jail now? That can be interpreted as an “insult”.