Russia's new "blogger law"

[marplots]

I assume you're kidding.

I was, a little. But now I'm wondering why it might be that freedom of speech should have an anonymity rider? I know, for example, there is a publisher's statement in newspapers and magazines and author names are generally listed on articles. Even opinion pieces on the editorial page mention who wrote them.

I get the idea that in a tyranny, this would might blunt outright criticism, but it's hard to imagine a tyranny couldn't find out who posted something anyhow. And there are legit reasons we might want to connect someone with their speech, such as prosecuting defamation or libel.

 

[trustbutverify]

I was, a little. But now I'm wondering why it might be that freedom of speech should have an anonymity rider? I know, for example, there is a publisher's statement in newspapers and magazines and author names are generally listed on articles. Even opinion pieces on the editorial page mention who wrote them.

I get the idea that in a tyranny, this would might blunt outright criticism, but it's hard to imagine a tyranny couldn't find out who posted something anyhow. And there are legit reasons we might want to connect someone with their speech, such as prosecuting defamation or libel.

I'm not disagreeing with you about anonymity. I'm saying if the USG ever proposed government registration of personal information for significant sized blogs, those employing the "butbutbut...AMERICA!!" technique would go completely berserk, and Glenn Greenwald would write an opus announcing the birth of Nazi America.

 

[deadrose]

Probably the final nail in LiveJournal's coffin.

 

[trustbutverify]

Speaking of LiveJournal, one of the smartest guys I've ever met, Anton Nossik, is reacting rather... um...strongly to recent events (including the blog legislation) in Russia:

In a lecture hall, one of Russia’s most prominent political commentators and bloggers, Anton Nossik, answers questions from the audience on best emigration practices.

“For those of us who have decided to remain living here, for whatever reasons,” one woman asks, “what is your prognosis for the next ten years?”

“Ten years!” Nossik laughs. “This place doesn’t have ten years as we know it today.”

Several young Jews in the room stand up and ask, one after another: “How much time do we have left here? How many years before this country becomes totalitarian?”

“You have a week,” Nossik says quickly, and the audience begins to fuss. “By the autumn,” he continues, his voice rising, “this will be a changed country. The border will be closed entirely. I recommend you consider your options.”

As Nossik goes on, casually pointing out how Vladimir Vladimirovich admired German fascists as strategists, that there’s no coincidence that he requested a KGB placement in Germany in the 90’s, that Crimea is a Sudetenland – there is a growing murmur in the audience.

“This is too negative for the public!” one woman exclaims.

“He can’t be serious,” an older gentleman near me grumbles. “This is too much...”

Hours later, the same questions are posed to economist and human rights activist Irina Yasina. Yasina sighs and is uncharacteristically reserved. “I’m generally an optimist,” she says. “But right now, I can’t offer you anything optimistic at this point…We will have our answers quickly. It won’t be a slow agony for us.”

I think Nossik has gone way, way over the top here. Hopefully.

 

[beachnut]

Americas censorship of their media over NSA leaks and snowden is just as disgraceful;. Outright intimidation of the Guardian over publishing information. America are a disgrace as well handling of occupy wall st leaders. atleast russia are letting their record keeping policies be known to the public unlike the shifty NSA.

And bloggers can be sued for misinformation and 'slander', bloggers are still regarded as publishers somewhat and held to some standards of the press. The tightening in Russia is not that far off in the west IMO

Oops, how did this get published. Debunked by a post appearing on line, at JREF.

 

[Safe-Keeper]

So the thread intent is senseless baiting and not a serious discussion. Understood. In other case I had asked if you compared this to the laws in your own country. Unless you're Yankistan... (snipped)

So if you had been intent on serious discussion, you would have derailed the topic with a "quick! Quick! Look at [insert country here]"?

Looking forward to seeing how you debate when you're not intent on serious discussion.

Edit to add:

Americas censorship of their media over NSA leaks and snowden is just as disgracefu

And again.

Seriously,

Every single time someone does something wrong, anywhere, no matter what it might be, someone has to say something about the US or Israel. I swear, sometimes I wonder if it's like is a knee-jerk reaction of some kind.