f they really want to know it, I’m sure they don’t have to ask.
Chloe can pull it off the server in two seconds.
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An IP means nothing unless they can link it to a name. Do you know how hard that is?
Not very hard because a lot more info than an IP follows you. For example, in addition, a computer network ID also follows you, that will stay the same no matter the IP you are hitting through so patterns can easily be established even if you use an IP masking service or jump around on public or open networks. I've also seen set up situations where a cookie was deliberately placed on a computer via responding on a forum (not here).. That's just the amateur stuff.. the government is thousands of times more sophisticated in their approach.
It's easy. A simple whois command will tell them which ISP owns the IP. If it's in Vladivostok, that means extra work. But if it's Comcast in Pittsburgh, say, then they just ask Comcast to tell them which subscriber had that IP during the time period in question.