"..In his letter, Steffen's lawyer specifically seeks MD4BUSH's account information at Free Republic.com, which would include an e-mail address and server records that could reveal clues about the locations from which MD4BUSH logged in.
The operators of the Web site have consistently refused to reveal information about MD4BUSH, citing their own privacy policy. But Steffen's lawyer is using both federal law and a previous court case to try to force Free Republic.com's hand. The federal law is called the electronic communications privacy act, and does permit a Web site operator to reveal account information about a user.
A lawyer familiar with the federal law told 11 News under its terms, Steffen is entitled to information about MD4BUSH.
Miller said Free Republic.com's operator has suggested he'd like to reveal information about MD4BUSH -- saying publicly when the whole story broke, he was "almost hoping to receive a subpoena." Miller reported that could happen if Steffen sues to get the information he seeks..."
Sounds like the ball's in Jim Robinson's court. A law that allows a website operator to give information isn't the same as one that requires it.