Annoying someone via the Internet is now a federal crime.

CNET ^ | January 9, 2006 | Declan McCullagh

[Casloy]

This is going to get complicated. Furthermore, this is a federal law which means prosecution is going to be by the federal government. I doubt any but the most egregious cases will be prosecuted.

[DBrow]

Once I went and looked it up, and put in what I think is the correct language, it does not seem so ominous, nor does it say anything about anonymity, unless there is something else in the law.

Someone else wish to look at the new law in detail and chase down the anonymity part?

[Michael Goldsberry]

I'm off the hook on this one. Everyone knows my real name is Leapfrog, so I still get to stalk Hillary.

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

Damn, just damn, did you have to mention tub-girl?

I just finished lunch and I want to keep it down.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Roger that.

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

So if I offend someone, does this mean I have to immediately freepmail them my name?

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

You too?

[Calpernia]

I would love too; but I'm tied up with getting my database mailings out. I will be tied up for about another week until I can do look ups or pings here at FR.

Sorry.

[Michael Goldsberry]

I don't really see how this law can be enforced.

[L,TOWM]

But, you probably don't stalk, harass or denigrate, belittle, defame... for sport... besides Hillary Clinton

The Secret Service got really annoyed with me the one week I spent stalking a Hildebeast.

I'll never forgove them for chasing me away from the site of my perfect firing position -- Next time I'll have to make sure my leasehold is paid up.

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

Could be interesting to see what happens.

I agree difficult to enforce, and probably only the extremely heinous violators will be prosecuted.

[DBrow]

Sorry, that is indeed a gross example.

An appropriate one, though- remember when trolls frequently posted that to random threads? Perhaps that would be illegal under the new law. I'm not sure who the offended party would be legally, though.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I'm not sure who the offended party would be legally, though.

Class action, all the FReepers who saw it.

[sgtyork]

Screw You! My name is John Kerry!

[sgtyork]

Screw you! My name's Howard Dean!

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

Yes I remember the trolls posting the pics. How do you think I knew what the Tub-girl was? LOL

I understand the point you were trying to make.

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

I'm up for that one!

[Fawn]

Ok..well...many of you are in trouble. ;)

[Centurion2000]

I guess A+Bert and Askel5 are going to get the death penalty eventually.

[Dashing Dasher]

Leapfrog!