Online Anonymity: Some Legal Issues

Abstract

Recent developments in online defamation and copyright infringement have led to increased interest in online anonymity. Plaintiffs now have to consider how they might go about identifying defendants known only by a pseudonym or possibly only a computer address. This article discusses the ways in which plaintiffs can seek assistance in identifying anonymous defendants, particularly in relation to compelling Internet Service Providers to reveal the identity of their subscribers.

Keywords: Internet, anonymity, anonymous, identification, defamation, libel, filesharing, pseudonym, Norwich Pharmacal