I know a lot of people named "anonymous" (and one named "peoriacutiepie")

So what's with this? From CNET News:

A new federal law states that when you annoy someone on the Internet, you must disclose your identity. Here's the relevant language.

"Whoever...utilizes any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet... without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person...who receives the communications...shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."

It's part of the somewhat expansively (and ambiguously)-named "Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act," nestled in a section called "Preventing Cyberstalking."

Now we're not in favor of cyberstalking here in Yet Another Media Empire, or any other kind of cyberbadness either. We're all for cybergoodness, we are. But really, is this the Internet or is it not? And really, as Emperor (but you, dear reader, may call me Emp), what am I to do - demand ID? Gimme a break.

So don't be annoying, that's the rule. (And anyway I have a magic button that can delete you if you are - they have their empire, I have mine.)

Unless, of course, you have a name. Like "anonymous." Then you can be as annoying as you really are.

Technorati Tags: Miscellany, News