Online anonymity encompasses a wide range of issues, conflicts, and perspectives that are far too often jumbled into an unclear and unorganized cloud of thought that goes nowhere. Sure, some websites have implemented moderators for the comment section and have required only real, verified names to participate in an online discussion. However, the effectiveness of these implementations has been little to none. The focus of this topic should be concentrated on the responsibility and capabilities that websites should take on in order to foster intellectual and "safe" discussion.
One of the hyperlinks of Citron's article, "Time to fight cyber-harassment", takes us to an article stating that an identity of an "anonymous" user can, in fact, be traced. Third party services can obtain and collect the data tracks of basically every person who uses the internet. The data collected here can be used for criminal cases such as harassment and stalking against the perpetuators. The problem here lies in the fact that social media sites/ websites have to go through extra effort and most likely encounter costs along the way. They have no incentive or profit in taking on this job which results in needlessly difficult prosecution and punishment for those who have broken the law.
It all comes back to the money. As Ms. Colln noted, many websites generate revenue from visits/ views that are mostly attributed to the entertaining comment section. I commend the social media and news websites that have taken it upon themselves to provide a harassment free and intellectually stimulating conversation.
Websites have more control and influence over what type of environment is being promoted than do fellow commentators and activists. The goal is not to create peace on the internet or censor any dissenting opinions, but rather to provide a platform where thoughtful, and even entertaining, discussions can occur.
Thoughts?
Patricia Cuarenta
Do you think that if websites don't create this "platform of thoughtful and entertaining discussions", which most likely won't happen due to the constant push towards more and more profit, that government should require websites to do so or put the responsibility on the people instead to follow through with trials and help them utilize third party services in order to prosecute the harassers correctly?
ReplyDeleteGreat thought-provoking question! I don't believe that the government should require websites to do so because that is too much government intrusion. The internet is a place where government should be hands off for the most part and be controlled by the people. However, I do think that it should facilitate the process of prosecution by helping them utilize third party services.The social media / news sites are private companies for the most part, so they wouldn't be able to be greatly ruled by the government.
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