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Is anonymity killing Internet?
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E-mailMade Popular Jan 9 2008
India :
YES
# We need to end anonymity to end harassment, bullying, fraud and other felonies making the virtual world an unsafe place.
# The cyber world immediately needs foolproof identification technology for growing security concerns.
NO
# There are many reasons to be anonymous when one uses the Internet e.g. one might want to protect him/herself against an oppressive government, or post personal messages to a Usenet newsgroup without identifying his/herself to the whole world as the poster.
# We can’t end anonymity in the cyber world, this is a step too far. It depends entirely on how it’s used, and in that sphere, market and political forces are more important than technology.
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Inspector
Jan 9 2008
Lokhandwala,
India
Anonymity is no way killing the internet given the importance of anonymity as a component of free speech, the cost of banning anonymity on Internet can be enormous. Due to the help of this tool we are able to make contact with human right workers in China and many other countries are able to let us know what’s going on and what needs top be done, where free speech is still a distant dream.
Comment Link
(Local Perspectives)
Since when has there been actual anonymity on the Internet? Your ISP can and will identify you in any number of scenarios. In any case we try this I think this will be less of a security dream-come-true and more of a privacy nightmare.
(Global Perspectives)
In this age of internet we have reached a phase where it can actually be beneficial and troublesome at the same time for keeping oneself anonymous. Reasons being many, the anonymity is actually killing the Internet. Looking at the beneficial side we can actually think that it has helped us a great deal in getting to know things that would have never reached us but at the same time we cannot ignore the ill effects it generating in the society. The Internet practice of giving everyone the ability to express himself anonymously for millions to read has debased public discourse. The irresponsible, the angry, the obscene and the dumb have virtually taken over many Internet dialogues in the name of free speech. I CONCLUDE ANONYMITY IS KILLING THE INTERNET.
(Local Perspectives)
It is for the sensitive souls who get offended by some nasty words written by anonymous writer. It is the human nature that is sometimes rude and insensitive to things that other people embrace and those people find it uncomfortable to stand such people and encourage anonymous postings to be banned. I think there’s no way one can force people to be much more careful about what they say and how they say even if there’s no anonymity. I think because of the anonymity factor Internet has survived with more and more people interested in letting their voice to be heard from every corner of this world. If it was about the typical resume that one had to post before registration I would have never gone this far in commenting in this particular thread either.
(Local Perspectives)
@ Rahulrezva
it’s not just about words…you don’t consider internet porn for one to be offended. Is there anyone here been physically assaulted by Internet Porn?
Wait I am still trying to figure out how words typed here by you have hurt me...
“It is for the sensitive souls who get offended by some nasty words written by anonymous writer…blah, blah…”
it’s not just about words…you don’t consider internet porn for one to be offended. Is there anyone here been physically assaulted by Internet Porn?
Wait I am still trying to figure out how words typed here by you have hurt me...
(Global Perspectives)
This is a dangerous world, and I don’t need some radical zealot banging on my door because they don’t like my opinions. So I need anonymity and its helping rather than killing the Internet.
(Global Perspectives)
It’s right that something must be done to curb the issue of anonymity on internet. Still, I feel that question – Is anonymity killing Internet? is too big to ponder over because it looks at the whole scenario just from one aspect and there is none denying that this anonymity factor has some benefits too like, it spreads a sense of equality among all its users and thus promises equal availability of returns, no matter they are good or bad! Isn’t it?
(Local Perspectives)
We’d be a poorer society to suppress it. We’d be richer if we could elevate that freedom to include common courtesy and respect for others.
(Global Perspectives)
Whether anonymity is good or bad depends on the motive. However, what we’re witnessing today is more of the dark side of it. The trust factor on the World Wide Web has definitely gone and has given rise to more serious security issues by becoming a breeding ground for malicious users. In some way or the other, it’s diluting the very purpose of Internet. It’s usefulness lies only in promoting freedom of expression, where one would not like to reveal who he is while posting that hate comment or giving his opinion while debating on a conservative issue – but this too is ultimately ‘misuse of technology’, leading to extreme abuse and illegal activities. Advance technology to curb this is desired.
(Local Perspectives)
No anonymity serves well to the users. And if it will be made open, which is virtually impossible at the moment, will damage a great level of information… yea that’s perhaps the other side of the issue and have more far reaching consequences… information that is put on the internet by the anonymous person will not be available and this is how we can loose other aspects of a thing, means see what you have been restricted to or shown as such…i.e. if we talk about Pakistan, Burma, or even china, Iraq or any other country that is full of conflicts, and here if there will be no anonymity for the users, how you can know what is really happening there…yes in such a situation the user will not put the information on the web fearing his identity to be disclosed and aftermaths that will follow.
(Local Perspectives)
Certainly it’s a difficult say or to be on either side firmly. Anonymity on the web has pros and cons, for one it may be a boon but there are scores of instances when it more or less proved curse to the others as in the suicide case of a teenager who had an account in Myspace. So the situation varies with respect to the person and its usage. But I must say that the users are the culprits for misusing the net for some selfish gains, to tease someone, or sometimes to misuse it for fun which, at many occasion has proved bad to many. Therefore I must still favor to ban anonymity on Internet.
(Local Perspectives)
@ Anupam -
what equality you’re talking about, equality that promote hate, equality that promote fear? i am confused.
“…sense of equality among all its users…”
what equality you’re talking about, equality that promote hate, equality that promote fear? i am confused.
(Local Perspectives)
One of the major attractions of the Internet is anonymity. It has contributed in a major way in the success of Internet apart from the information and communication part.
With great things come dark things. But we have to live with the shadow to soak the sun. That’s how it works.
Anonymity would never kill the Internet. It will be killed only when rabid governments with myopic visions will ban certain tools on the net such a online social communities.
It is widely accepted that the Internet is an ’organism’ with multiple facets, most of which are good.
I would go a step further to say that killing the anonymity factor would serve to kill the Internet and not the other way round.
With great things come dark things. But we have to live with the shadow to soak the sun. That’s how it works.
Anonymity would never kill the Internet. It will be killed only when rabid governments with myopic visions will ban certain tools on the net such a online social communities.
It is widely accepted that the Internet is an ’organism’ with multiple facets, most of which are good.
I would go a step further to say that killing the anonymity factor would serve to kill the Internet and not the other way round.
(Local Perspectives)
All that comes from a cow isn’t milk, my dear. Similarly, all that you get form internet is not just hatred, but also a feeling of nearness, closeness, knowledge and so on. If I say, the ocean that flows out in the form of internet is full of variegation, which you can’t get away with.
(Local Perspectives)
We don’t want to see the internet transformed into another politically-correct wasteland like TV.
@ Ananickole
Speaking of internet pornography: I’ve been surfing the Web since 2000, and I have never accessed a porno site accidentally. Go figure it out.
I vote to continue internet anonymity.
@ Ananickole
Speaking of internet pornography: I’ve been surfing the Web since 2000, and I have never accessed a porno site accidentally. Go figure it out.
I vote to continue internet anonymity.
(Global Perspectives)
Obviously, and it’s only those who have malicious goals are making hue and cry for keeping the anonymity intact. If someone who doesn’t have the wicked intentions, wouldn’t mind to disclose his/her identity, however, a bewitching fellow would. Therefore, one should unveil identity, but of course real one, before getting familiar with the person particularly on the social networking sites so that there should be no confusion.
On the other, I would like to ask Jonty, allhuwalia, anupam can they ignore the use of Internet for some ill purposes i.e. terrorists using the social networking sites for their wicked purposes and that is the safe way to send the information across without disclosing their identity. Yes perhaps only when their own security will be at stake. Is it so gentlemen?
On the other, I would like to ask Jonty, allhuwalia, anupam can they ignore the use of Internet for some ill purposes i.e. terrorists using the social networking sites for their wicked purposes and that is the safe way to send the information across without disclosing their identity. Yes perhaps only when their own security will be at stake. Is it so gentlemen?
(Local Perspectives)
Anonymity in the Internet is a matter of choice and at the same time a way of expressing and sharing your ideas in a secret manner.
What only separates the unknown from those who identify themselves is credibility.
Anyone can post anything, but don’t expect that all people reading the Internet will believe the message provided by an unidentified individual. The source of any info is essential for reference.
Unlike if the articles or information are identified with a real person and the writings are sensible or have made a mark to the readers, truly the writer or communicator will be respected and trusted.
People may not know you personally, but some will agree in what you write. It is the true sense of communicating and making a free sphere of social interaction.
Anonymity is a spice of life. Others like hiding and so be it. If they like a pseudonym or screen name or just being someone unknown, let them. Who cares anyway? We can’t force them to come out if they don’t like to. Respect their reasons.
Maynard Delfin
Manila, Philippines
What only separates the unknown from those who identify themselves is credibility.
Anyone can post anything, but don’t expect that all people reading the Internet will believe the message provided by an unidentified individual. The source of any info is essential for reference.
Unlike if the articles or information are identified with a real person and the writings are sensible or have made a mark to the readers, truly the writer or communicator will be respected and trusted.
People may not know you personally, but some will agree in what you write. It is the true sense of communicating and making a free sphere of social interaction.
Anonymity is a spice of life. Others like hiding and so be it. If they like a pseudonym or screen name or just being someone unknown, let them. Who cares anyway? We can’t force them to come out if they don’t like to. Respect their reasons.
Maynard Delfin
Manila, Philippines
(Global Perspectives)
Hey we have reached a stage in the growth of civilization where everybody without fear of prosecution and persecution can freely express his opinions, until and unless they are outrageously stupid and without any rational justification.
Gone are those times when there used to be witch-hunting for homosexuals or other against the tide opinions. I really can’t see any need for anonymity in the present age, at least not in any developed nation.
Taking the logic ”one might want to protect him/herself against an oppressive government, or post personal messages to a Usenet newsgroup without identifying his/herself to the whole world as the poster”, I would like to say that in place of supporting anonymity we need to pressurize those governments to respect people’s human rights of freedom of speech. Of course there will be exceptions where anonymity will be necessity, but exceptions are always there and we don’t make our rules considering exceptions.
On the other hand people having different opinions from the prevailing ones will find better audience and, moreover, make there presence felt. It will help the society in accepting them with more respect.
The only reason for violence is difference if opinions which can be only remedied by better communication.
Gone are those times when there used to be witch-hunting for homosexuals or other against the tide opinions. I really can’t see any need for anonymity in the present age, at least not in any developed nation.
Taking the logic ”one might want to protect him/herself against an oppressive government, or post personal messages to a Usenet newsgroup without identifying his/herself to the whole world as the poster”, I would like to say that in place of supporting anonymity we need to pressurize those governments to respect people’s human rights of freedom of speech. Of course there will be exceptions where anonymity will be necessity, but exceptions are always there and we don’t make our rules considering exceptions.
On the other hand people having different opinions from the prevailing ones will find better audience and, moreover, make there presence felt. It will help the society in accepting them with more respect.
The only reason for violence is difference if opinions which can be only remedied by better communication.
(Local Perspectives)
The basic reason for the creation of internet ARPA was to share information among working scientists. But it became popular both in academia and in institutions only because of its robust techniques of data transfer. And anonymity was and is till today the most powerful feature of internet.
Anonymity can save you from hackers and infections. The trick is how and where you reveal your identity. This of course needs some expertise.
There are ill effects but they cannot demean the power of internet because there are more criminals in our society than people who harm others over internet.
A better technology indeed should be designed to make this feature more useful for the good of internet.
Anonymity can save you from hackers and infections. The trick is how and where you reveal your identity. This of course needs some expertise.
There are ill effects but they cannot demean the power of internet because there are more criminals in our society than people who harm others over internet.
A better technology indeed should be designed to make this feature more useful for the good of internet.
(Local Perspectives)
yea pablasarabjot rightly pointed out the basic use and the transformation of Internet as a vital tool for sharing information for scientists and US Army in particular [when net was originated] and this started from ARPA. However, in the modern times it has become a common use thing and more or less a tool for the crime and yes, very right that in some conditions anonymity helps to protect the user and particularly the secret defense information and the celebrities if will unveil their identity will be more prone to the damage and hacking.
And the coin has the other side as well, at the same this anonymity becomes the tool of sending the information across through Internet and for this social networking sites viz. MySpace, Bebo and Facebook are among the handy tools. Finally pros and cons follow and we couldn’t take only one side neither we can ignore the usage and vitality of the net and it can’t be amended fully, as I think, and its always the motive and aftermaths that defines the good or bad usages not the tool in use.
And the coin has the other side as well, at the same this anonymity becomes the tool of sending the information across through Internet and for this social networking sites viz. MySpace, Bebo and Facebook are among the handy tools. Finally pros and cons follow and we couldn’t take only one side neither we can ignore the usage and vitality of the net and it can’t be amended fully, as I think, and its always the motive and aftermaths that defines the good or bad usages not the tool in use.
(Local Perspectives)
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