The War on Web Anonymity

Internet users, like patrons at a library or a grocery store, value privacy and cringe about how reporting even a few choices may influence advertisers, insurers or creditors to make incorrect assumptions about an individual’s health or career prospects. Internet companies, politicians and law-enforcement agencies, even in democratic societies, though express concerns that anonymity leads to cyber-bullying, hate speech and criminal activity. “For some, anonymity is among one of the biggest strengths of the Internet, a guarantee of free speech and privacy,” notes an article from Spiegel Online. “Others voice concerns over the ‘attribution problem’ and see it as a key issue in the digital world that must be eliminated.” South Korea has required registration and identity authentication at large websites; studies have shown that identification requirements, but also years of experience, minimize anger. A report by the American Association for the Advancement of Science concludes: "Anonymous communication should be regarded as a strong human right." – YaleGlobal