This going to get overturned on appeal. SCOTUS will pretty much always back up First Amendment rights in regards to anonymity and privacy.
McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Comm'n (93-986), 514 U.S. 334 (1995).
""Anonymous pamphlets, leaflets, brochures and even books have played an important role in the progress of mankind." Talley v. California, 362 U.S. 60, 64 (1960).
Great works of literature have frequently been produced by authors writing under assumed names. [n.4] Despite readers' curiosity and the public's interest in identifying the creator of a work of art, an author generally is free to decide whether or not to disclose her true identity. The decision in favor of anonymity may be motivated by fear of economic or official retaliation, by concern about social ostracism, or merely by a desire to preserve as much of one's privacy as possible. Whatever the motivation may be, at least in the field of literary endeavor, the interest in having anonymous works enter the marketplace of ideas unquestionably outweighs any public interest in requiring disclosure as a condition of entry. [n.5]
Accordingly, an author's decision to remain anonymous, like other decisions concerning omissions or additions to the content of a publication, is an aspect of the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment."
I had the phrase "Why can't everybody just be nice?!" written on the door of my room in college. Of course, fortunately, there was no space for comments underneath.
I just got around to reading the actual details of this case.
There can't be an appeal since Google gave in to the court's demands. But one of these cases will reach the SCOTUS and then finally we'll have some decent case law holding up anonymity.
And bloggers who want anonymity really shouldn't sign up for services with their real name. That's just dumb.
McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Comm'n (93-986), 514 U.S. 334 (1995).
""Anonymous pamphlets, leaflets, brochures and even books have played an important role in the progress of mankind." Talley v. California, 362 U.S. 60, 64 (1960).
Great works of literature have frequently been produced by authors writing under assumed names. [n.4] Despite readers' curiosity and the public's interest in identifying the creator of a work of art, an author generally is free to decide whether or not to disclose her true identity. The decision in favor of anonymity may be motivated by fear of economic or official retaliation, by concern about social ostracism, or merely by a desire to preserve as much of one's privacy as possible. Whatever the motivation may be, at least in the field of literary endeavor, the interest in having anonymous works enter the marketplace of ideas unquestionably outweighs any public interest in requiring disclosure as a condition of entry. [n.5]
Accordingly, an author's decision to remain anonymous, like other decisions concerning omissions or additions to the content of a publication, is an aspect of the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment."
In print of course, so no one can sue me.
There can't be an appeal since Google gave in to the court's demands. But one of these cases will reach the SCOTUS and then finally we'll have some decent case law holding up anonymity.
And bloggers who want anonymity really shouldn't sign up for services with their real name. That's just dumb.
But did you win the Quidditch Cup?