Internet privacy has too much backing.  This would likely be a non-starter for quite some time. 

After witnessing the outrage against the SOPA bill last year, I completely agree. Still, I'm amazed at what some politicians try to push through.

Edit to add: From the Chicago Sun earlier today... "Facing a free-speech outcry, an Illinois lawmaker decided Thursday to pull the plug on anti-bullying legislation he introduced to require website managers to pull down anonymous, hate-filled Internet posts if they were requested to do so."

I suppose someone could create a new identity and even use proxy servers or a VPN to hide their real IP address, but most people don't know how to use those services.

That's the whole point. It goes back to my argument against DRM. It hurts legitimate users but does little to stop people who intend to do real harm.

I suppose someone could create a new identity and even use proxy servers or a VPN to hide their real IP address, but most people don't know how to use those services.

 It would also put an end to cyber-bullying, which I believe was the catalyst for this particular bill.

I don't think it would make a large dent in cyber-bullying. For one, a lot of it comes from non-anonymous sources. A real bully isn't going to be thwarted by the victim knowing their name.

Second, a law isn't going to stop anyone committed to being anonymous. Spamming has been against the law for years and see how well that is working out. In about 15 minutes, I could create a whole new online identity with email, Facebook, etc. If those get shut down, I can have new ones in another 15 minutes. I wouldn't of course, but it's that easy.

"

shall, upon request, remove any posted comments posted by an

anonymous poster unless the anonymous poster 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. Effective 90 days after becoming law."

As someone who posts anonymously to avoid employer conflicts, I'm completely against this legislature. If it were to become law, I would no longer be able to maintain my blog.

On the other hand, I can see why some would want to implement this type of measure. Those writing about finance, law, medicine, etc., would have to disclose their real name, thereby making it possible to verify their credentials. It would also put an end to cyber-bullying, which I believe was the catalyst for this particular bill.

I'd like to hear the communities' thoughts on this.