Following Arizona’s lead in anything is never a good idea, especially legislation. The police state was the first to take aim at Internet commenting in a stand against cyberbullying, and since the issue stills seems to be in vogue amongst lobbyists, New York lawmakers have introduced their own anti-cyberbullying proposals in both houses that kinda sorta violate the First Amendment.
Actually, they definitely violate the First Amendment--the righteous folk in Albany want to ban all anonymous commenting on New York-based websites, such as newspapers and blogs. According to Republican Assemblyman Jim Conte, the laws aim to “cut down mean-spirited and baseless political attacks,” as well as “[turn] the spotlight on cyberbullies by forcing them to reveal their identity.” Someone obviously got his feelings hurt.
[via Gizmodo]
