Should Anonymous Internet Comments Be Allowed?

by SodaHead News Posted 2012/05/24 13:00:00

Related Topics: Internet, Anonymous, Anonymity, New York, Legislation, Ugly, Image

1,418 votes
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	Yes, it should be allowed	1,135 votes	80%
	No, it should be regulated	283 votes	20%

The anonymity of the Internet is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it's a valuable tool for privacy and security, and allows you to speak your mind without having to worry about it leaking into your "real life" too much. On the other hand, as we've clearly seen on sites like 4chan and YouTube, it sometimes coaxes out the worst in people, leading to hateful and disturbing content. New York lawmakers want to sheath that double-edged sword once and for all.

According to the Consumerist, legislation was drafted earlier this year that suggests, "A web site administrator upon request shall remove any comments posted on his or her web site by an anonymous poster unless such anonymous posted 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." However, opponents worry it will turn into a "heckler's veto" and completely ruin open speech on the Internet. Do you think anonymous comments should be allowed?

+40

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Assassin~ Badass Buzz Guru 2012/05/24 23:49:28

Yes, it should be allowed

+37
The day I have to start putting my actual name and address somewhere to post, is the day I stop posting.

My safety and privacy outweighs my pleasure in posting.
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More polls by SodaHead News

firelooker to Dale G 2012/05/27 00:38:30

Gee I'm soorry but i haven't seen the GOP trying to control the internet like your imitation god Obama.

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Dale G to firelooker 2012/05/28 22:41:36

+1
Obama is not my god. Who's yours? Perry or Palin???? Or maybe Bachman???

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Zuggi to firelooker 2012/05/29 05:16:00

psst: the folks who proposed this fine, illegal, unconstitutional, stupid bill are Republicans.

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firelooker to Dale G 2012/05/27 00:40:55

at's one nice thing about the internet it allows idiots like you to run off at the mouth w/o consequence. Face to face I'd kick your ass up between your sholulders for that comment.

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♥K14 to firelooker 2012/05/27 09:03:34 (edited)

That's one argument for forcing people to publish there names and addresses - see if people still make immature threats when they can be so easily found.

Not that you can't just check the IP address anyway...

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NoName to ♥K14 2012/05/31 18:20:18

Even then, an IP address alone isn't **entirely* helpful - between IP tracking software inaccuracies [being rather gaping at times], the fact some have dynamic IPs, can go through proxy servers, etc.

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NUCKLED... to firelooker 2012/05/27 21:20:12

Hey Man, even idiots have the right to say what they want. Lighten up.

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Dale G to firelooker 2012/05/28 22:37:30

I use my name, too bad you're to chicken to use yours. Moron.

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NoName to Dale G 2012/05/31 18:20:52

Moron? Says the person assuming not using a real name is out of cowardice? Oh the irony. :P

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Dale G to NoName 2012/06/05 21:42:20

And your point is??? Do you even have one???

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Dale G to firelooker 2012/05/28 22:38:51

Yeah sure. You could kick your way out of a TORN, WET PAPER SACK.

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NUCKLED... to Dale G 2012/05/27 21:15:18

Who wants the fairness doctrine, that would be the Democrats.

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Dale G to NUCKLED... 2012/05/28 22:35:23

Meaning exactly WHAT nuckl(hea)d???

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cupcakes to Dale G 2012/05/29 01:39:09

lmao!!!!!!!!!!

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BenjaminIsRight 2012/05/26 23:51:27

Yes, it should be allowed

That is point of the internet! Give a voice to the people to criticize their government!

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Mishka 2012/05/26 23:49:11

Yes, it should be allowed

+2
and what is going to stop people from remaining anonymous on non american websites??? I already avoid your country because of the airport security, this will only make me abandon all american websites, and a lot of people like me would do the same thing.

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♥K14 to Mishka 2012/05/27 09:05:11

"I already avoid your country..."

That made me laugh - I had thoughts of it trying to sneak up on you :P

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Matt to Mishka 2012/05/27 17:03:12

heh, i'm sure the americans are weeping about the fact one less russian will be visiting their shores.
Ive been to a fair few countrys in the last 12 months and americas security was no more intrusive than singapore or even thailands

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Kozmo 2012/05/26 23:38:06

Yes, it should be allowed

Allowed but controlled, perhaps with every one posted being openly marked as Anonymous, judged credibilty elsewhere.

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terry.johnson.7792 2012/05/26 22:38:32

Yes, it should be allowed

the last thing we need is more government, if someone makes a comment their ashamed to identify with then you can decide what kind of person it is and ignore it.

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AudioHipster Doyen 2012/05/26 22:22:16

Yes, it should be allowed

+1
First to regulate is socialism of the worst kind... and some want to voice their opinion... but do not want to be marked, or scorned, for their postings... Freedom of press and the right to speak out... that is why their is lots of anomalies, or polls that is just that. if you want to ban something ban secrecy in the Federal Reserve Bank, and our GOV. stand up and stop this now Impeach, the mafia minded control freaks and their pawns OBomba and romney... what a joke... of a choice. if you vote vote for people who are real... and not working for the same thugs. Doyen Keaton at AudioHipster . com

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Diana Mikhail 2012/05/26 21:50:22

No, it should be regulated

+1
If comments aren't anonymous then maybe people will think before they comment. People say the most hurtful things to me on YouTube because I have no idea who they really are, if it wasn't anonymous I bet they wouldnt be so mean all the time.

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Benjami... to Diana M... 2012/05/26 23:53:03

So you want to have the government work to censor free political speech?

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Christo... to Diana M... 2012/05/27 13:04:51

Why should they? If you can't take it, ignore it, dink.

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Donnie to Diana M... 2012/05/27 17:13:16

boohoo some one said something mean. get the nanny state some one was mean on the internet (by they way if in person you would see my wiping away fake tears). we need less government not more.

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JoeLin 2012/05/26 21:37:51

No, it should be regulated

+2
If people had to leave their real name, or email, I would bet it would cut down on most of the ignorant comments. It's easy to say crap when no one knows who you are. No backbone.

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Benjami... to JoeLin 2012/05/26 23:52:33

So you want the government working to censor free speech?

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Elmware to JoeLin 2012/05/27 08:40:09

+1
I wonder if you'd still have the same opinion if someone was stalking you, and looking you up on the internet to harass you?

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Maci 2012/05/26 21:03:38
Joey 2012/05/26 20:54:29

Yes, it should be allowed

+1
But they better put up or shut up. If they are going to say something and cry or block you then they have no right to comment on anything.

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JoeLin to Joey 2012/05/26 21:40:23

If you really believe what you are posting, why are you trying to hide anything? I don't want my email or home address listed, but I don't have a problem with my name being posted.

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NoName to JoeLin 2012/05/31 18:23:20

Why would it matter? "hiding anything" isn't inherently bad - contrary to what TV programs, and some poltiical banter on both sides would lead you to believe.

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Joey to JoeLin 2012/07/04 19:30:42

You do not need to list that kind of stuff but when you HIDE behind making a comment and then blocking a persons ability to respond that IS CHICKEN. And If you are going to be that way then YOU really have no right to post.

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ZB 2012/05/26 19:52:41

Yes, it should be allowed

+2
If not, sites like SH wouldn't work. And I would quit posting anywhere.

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cc 2012/05/26 19:29:44

Yes, it should be allowed

+2
That's New York for ya! They are turning into California 2! Let the private sector make those rules to suit thier site, blog, comment section, etc. If the owner doesn't want foul language and assorted (or sordid!) threats, or even anonymity... then that's the rules!
Everyone has the capacity for a fake name, fake address...we can't control everything.

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river.holloway 2012/05/26 18:50:41

Yes, it should be allowed

+2
Banning anonymity would many people. People would be forced to put them in possibly dangerous positions or stop them from letting their opinion be heard. Anonymity makes the world a considerably better place.

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Syl 2012/05/26 18:38:23

Yes, it should be allowed

+4
Anonymity is the only way to speak your mind without the fear of being persecuted. Free speech is something we take for granted until we are silenced.

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skipspangler 2012/05/26 18:35:22

No, it should be regulated

+2
Anonymity is the coward's way to be brave.

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river.h... to skipspa... 2012/05/26 18:53:55

+5
How can you say that? Anonymity allows us to keep ourselves safe whilst still sharing a valuable opinions that could change the world. If you were forced to put your name and address on this site would you still post and respond to most of these even if you could be putting you and those close to you in danger for a more controversial opinion?

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ZB to skipspa... 2012/05/26 19:53:37

+2
Putting your name and address on every post is a way to get attacked at home. Think about it.

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