US Congress attacks freedom of speech on USENET, web

http://news.com.com/2010-1028_3-6022491.html

First few paragraphs:

"Annoying someone via the Internet is now a federal crime.

"It's no joke. Last Thursday, President Bush signed into law a prohibition
on posting annoying Web messages or sending annoying e-mail messages without
disclosing your true identity.

"In other words, it's OK to flame someone on a mailing list or in a blog as
long as you do it under your real name. Thank Congress for small favors, I
guess.

"This ridiculous prohibition, which would likely imperil much of Usenet, is
buried in the so-called Violence Against Women and Department of Justice
Reauthorization Act. Criminal penalties include stiff fines and two years in
prison.

" 'The use of the word "annoy" is particularly problematic,' says Marv
Johnson, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. 'What's
annoying to one person may not be annoying to someone else.'

"Buried deep in the new law is Sec. 113, an innocuously titled bit called
'Preventing Cyberstalking.' It rewrites existing telephone harassment law to
prohibit anyone from using the Internet 'without disclosing his identity and
with intent to annoy.' "


.

Relevant Pages

  • {OT} anonymous flaming illegal
    ... This ridiculous prohibition, which would likely imperil much of Usenet, ... A new federal law states that when you annoy someone on the Internet, ... That's the ultimate question," Fein said. ...
    (alt.autos.toyota)
  • Re: Is this true ?
    ... New Law Cracks Down on Blogs, ... prohibition on posting annoying Web messages or sending annoying e- ... A new federal law states that when you annoy someone on the Internet, ... originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are ...
    (soc.retirement)
  • Create an E-Annoyance, Go To Jail
    ... Annoying someone via the Internet is now a federal crime. ... prohibition on posting annoying Web messages or sending annoying ... Buried deep in the new law is Sec. 113, ...
    (comp.dcom.telecom)
  • Re: Annoying people without providing full name is now illegal!
    ... >> contributors, while hiding their identity, may be surprised to learn ... >> that this is now apparently against the law and, in fact, a felony (up ... >> prohibition on posting annoying Web messages or sending annoying ... >> Buried deep in the new law is Sec. 113, ...
    (soc.culture.jewish)
  • Re: Dave and Juba, Cellmates!
    ... >>harassment law to prohibit anyone from using the Internet "without ... >> Annoying someone via the Internet is now a federal crime. ... >> mail messages without disclosing your true identity. ... >> Buried deep in the new law is Sec. 113, ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)