What Can We Learn From Google Defamation Lawsuit Filed by An Indian Construction Company Against Them.

Google has been instructed to reveal the identity of an anonymous blogger in a defamation lawsuit filed by an Indian construction company against them, reports the Wall Street Journal.  The blogger known only as “Toxic Writer,” is accused of attacking the Mumbai-based Gremach Infrastructure Equipments & Projects Ltd. in what they are calling a “hate campaign.” – Wired Magazine

Can anyone just express their own opinion anonymously on the web?  This case may force blogger to re-examine their blog content from every aspects, and the issue raises questions about the future of free speech and anonymity online.

On the positive side, maybe it will encourage citizen journalists to back up their posts with more researched and trustworthy information.

“One of the most common places for people to sue, because they will generally win, are nations that are or have formerly been part of the British Commonwealth, where there is no First Amendment, and the law looks more toward protecting the reputation of people than protecting the free speech of speakers,” John Watson, associate professor at American University specializing in communication law told Wired.com.

This could be a stern warning for blogger that bashing folk overseas and also set a precedent regarding anonymity.

“Google which is an American corporation enjoys a great deal of protection here in the United States, but in the rest of the world, it’s subject to the laws of wherever these articles or communications are published,” Watson added.

What do you think about this case?

• How far do you think this case will affect the blogger community in term of anonymity?
• Will it effect you moderating policy?

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