Kentucky Lawmaker Wants to Make Anonymous Internet Posting Illegal

[MadJack]

By Kellie Wilson

Kentucky Representative Tim Couch filed a bill this week to make anonymous posting online illegal.

The bill would require anyone who contributes to a website to register their real name, address and e-mail address with that site.

Their full name would be used anytime a comment is posted.

If the bill becomes law, the website operator would have to pay if someone was allowed to post anonymously on their site. The fine would be five-hundred dollars for a first offense and one-thousand dollars for each offense after that.

Representative Couch says he filed the bill in hopes of cutting down on online bullying. He says that has especially been a problem in his Eastern Kentucky district.

Action News 36 asked people what they thought about the bill.

Some said they felt it was a violation of First Amendment rights. Others say it is a good tool toward eliminating online harassment.

Represntative Couch says enforcing this bill if it became law would be a challenge.

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

By Kellie Wilson

Kentucky Representative Tim Couch filed a bill this week to make anonymous posting online illegal.

The bill would require anyone who contributes to a website to register their real name, address and e-mail address with that site.

Their full name would be used anytime a comment is posted.

If the bill becomes law, the website operator would have to pay if someone was allowed to post anonymously on their site. The fine would be five-hundred dollars for a first offense and one-thousand dollars for each offense after that.

Representative Couch says he filed the bill in hopes of cutting down on online bullying. He says that has especially been a problem in his Eastern Kentucky district.

Action News 36 asked people what they thought about the bill.

Some said they felt it was a violation of First Amendment rights. Others say it is a good tool toward eliminating online harassment.

Represntative Couch says enforcing this bill if it became law would be a challenge.

can't see that bill remotely passing Jack--but didn't think they get the gamblng one through either.

Would be killer for any website--would reduce traffic 90%--don't see how they could hold website responsible for fake names--:shrug:

Eddie would have to sell computer

 

[kosar]

Represntative Couch says enforcing this bill if it became law would be a challenge.

Yeah, ya think, Representative Couch?

 

[Eddie Haskell]

Can't see Tim Couch passing anything, let alone a piece of legislation.

Eddie

 

[dawgball]

Can't see Tim Couch passing anything, let alone a piece of legislation.

Eddie

:rimshot

 

[escarzamd]

Can't see Tim Couch passing anything, let alone a piece of legislation.

Eddie

Damn! I wish I had been around to get that in last nite!:jump:

 

[MadJack]

:rimshot

:mj07:

 

[ImFeklhr]

It is almost funny when lawmakers are so out of touch with modern life and technology, that they sponsor some piece of reactionary leglislation because of one Myspace murder or something.

Bunch of morons.

I hope this passes in Kentucky. There is no way websites will retool their programming just to appease a ridiculous law that would apply to only 1.5% of this countries population and 0.000667% of the world population.

You'd think a Kentucky politician would realize how important Internet-Commerce is, considering how many companies use that state as a hub for their shipping.

:shrug:

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Question Jack--what % of your posters--don't give names when signing up--I can't remember years ago if signup requested name voluntarily or otherwise.

I don't think anyone should be requested any info by any means---but have always had tons more respect for posters who are part of the family here--meet-mingle-email talk shop ect.

Personally have never trusted the cyber ghosts who would shit in their pants if anyone knew who they really were.

the get togethers this forumhas had through the years and opportunity to meet those we talk to each day--makes this place like 2nd home.

 

[Eddie Haskell]

Wayne

Do you respect me?

Ed

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Edward There are people that here that have met you and know you--which gives credibilty.
Which qualifies you as bonifide family member-
A classic I might add? IMHO

 

[escarzamd]

Can't see Tim Couch passing anything, let alone a piece of legislation.

Eddie

Its funny a day later! You just can't get out of the way even though you know it coming!:mj07:

 

[MadJack]

what % of your posters--don't give names when signing up

100%.

 

[Keith 1]

100%.

but they do have to give a valid e-mail address, don't they ?

Personally I think the owner/administrator should be allowed to request certain basic information when people sign up to go on their site. Don't like it, don't sign up.

 

[Eddie Haskell]

Wayne:

In 12,654 posts over the course of almost nine years, you still haven't answered a straight up question. Now, sir, will the court reporter please read back the question to Wayne.

(long legged brunnette court reporter who looks strikingly similar to Ashley Dupre in low sultry voice slowly reads stenographic tape)

"Wayne

Do you respect me?

Ed"

Eddie says"

Wayne, a simple yes or no answer, please.

 

[Chadman]

Aloha, Biyatches! Having a really nice time in Maui - will be back at you guys by Sunday. Just found this dude's bio kinda funny. Seems like he might have plenty of time on his hands to come up with this Republican-sponsored legislation - after getting off work from the grocery store...:mj07:

Representative Tim Couch (R)

House District 90
Clay
Harlan (part)
Leslie
House 2003 - Present


Bio
Born August 19, 1961. Self-employed, Hyden Grocery, Couch?s Shell. Church of God. Cumberland College, Hazard Community College. Leslie Co Industrial Devel. Hyden Chamber of Commerce. KY Retail Federation. NRA. Natl Wild Turkey Federation. Natl Federation of Independent Business Owners. Leslie Co Republican Party, Chairman 2000-02. Leslie Co Bd of Elections 2000-02. Hyden Masonic Lodge 664. KY Grocers Assoc. Hyden Athletic Boosters 1998. Leslie Co Middle School Boosters 1999. Relay for Life, Corporate Sponsor 2000-02. Repair Affair, Sponsor 2000-02.

 

[Eddie Haskell]

Chadman:

The scary part is I've gotten so used to that around here. Before I came to Cincinnati, I thought this kinda bio was so bizzare. I've been here so long, these gomers and rubes are commonplace.

I mean the grocery store and the Shell station. Is this Mayberry or what.

Oh, and by the way Wayne, make that 12,655 posts withou you ever answering a question.

Eddie

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Chadman:

The scary part is I've gotten so used to that around here. Before I came to Cincinnati, I thought this kinda bio was so bizzare. I've been here so long, these gomers and rubes are commonplace.

I mean the grocery store and the Shell station. Is this Mayberry or what.

Oh, and by the way Wayne, make that 12,655 posts withou you ever answering a question.

Eddie

Thought I answered it elsewhere--but if you like once again--
How can a person answer a personal question on another without knowing the person.
I am basically a very transparent person--you can look in my bio and drive my office same day or call me and have cup of coffee--golf game or what ever
--you on the other hand--go out of your way to remain anonymous.
From your posts I gather we are on opposite end of spectrum on most political-moral-and value oriented views--that does not make me disrespect you but tough for me certifiably have respect for anyone refuses to even offer up 1st name over course of many years-
Does that answer your question?

 

[smurphy]

I think posters should be required to provide their real first name.

Sincerely,
Saul