Cyber Bullying

• Why Anonymity Matters

RIP trolls and the response from Facebook and Twitter. (or rather the lack thereof)

This web page was inspired by the BBC program "The Anti-Social Network" seen below:

Broadcaster Richard Bacon has been targeted by an obsessive tirade of anonymous online abuse over the last two years, aimed not just at him but at his wife, mother and baby son. Motivated by his own experience, in this documentary Richard attempts to hunt down and confront three online bullies, including his own, only to learn that unmasking these so-called trolls can be a dangerous pursuit.

Richard is one of an increasing number of victims of cyberbullies and internet trolls who use fake identities on social networking sites to torment, harass and abuse. They even target the tribute sites of young people who have committed suicide, posting vile comments and images with devastating consequences for the victims' families.

It makes me question the pursuit of anonymity. Although I maintain anonymity I abhor the antics of those that troll obscene comments  on "tribute pages" and websites.

However, I do not agree that this is something that governments should make up a legislation in an attempt to control it. I do have major concerns that governments if left unchecked will often go too far. As from April 2012 I am increasing my analysis of Cyber Countermeasures taken by both governments and intellectual property rights holders, it is often not easy to see what the motivation is here. Is it the control of the flow of information that could cause citizens harm due to acts of terrorism or is it the protection of commercial interests?

• 2003 Communications act - The Communications Act 2003 (c 21) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It gave regulation body Ofcom its full powers. The Act introduced new offenses for 'Improper use of public electronic communications network'.
• The Anti-Social Network  - BBC Three, 9:00PM Mon, 19 Mar 2012 
• Hunter Moore sells 'revenge porn' site to anti-bullying group BullyVille.com - By Claire Connelly, Technology Reporter Herald Sun news.com.au April 23, 2012