On Anonymity

As the Internet evolves, one of the pressing issues that must be resolved is the issue of anonymity. The Internet, as it is built now, allows anyone to create a virtual self completely different from their real world counterpart. To create any link between the real and virtual self, the user must voluntarily make that decision, be it inputting his credit card number when shopping online or by simply providing his real name as he creates a Facebook account. There is no kind of forced authentication that is needed. Nor there is any technology which will automatically sync the user with his virtual self.

In examine the issue on anonymity, we first need to look at why such is valued in the Internet. The most obvious benefit of anonymity is that it facilitates free speech. It allows people to talk about what they want without fear of embarrassment or retribution. People can simply log on to an online forum, hide under a username, and talk about anything. Want to rant about the poor state of our government? Seeking love advice? Growing a skin rash in a certain part of your body? One will definitely find it easier to talk about these things anonymously. They need not be worried about being judged or threatened. Their virtual counterpart will be taking all the hits.

There are, however, disturbing downsides to anonymous usage of the internet. Pedophiles have been using it to seek children in chat rooms and social networking sites. It can also be used to commit defamation and to harass people. Anonymity is also a key ingredient in perpetrating scams and other forms of fraud. Basically, anonymity helps in the perpetration of crimes since the criminal uses it as a shield in order evade any accountability.

We can therefore see that complete anonymity is not a viable option as we move forward. Nor is the opposite acceptable. People are slowly realizing that some sort of regulation must be imposed. But any type of regulation will surely be scrutinized, as it will most likely raise the issues on free speech and privacy.

Monch Bacani

02-01003

5th entry