Go O'Mara

Last but certainly not the least. So, we talked about a way to keep internet users accountable, we talked about punishing them, so finally its time to talk about taking away anonymity in its entirety. One of the most extreme solutions, and also the most improbable would theoretically be a solution to all of the problems, but not ideal.

In 2012 this lovely guy over there, Senator Thomas O'Mara, of New York worked with Dan Murray on sponsoring legislation A.8688/S.6779- The Internet Protection Act. Basically, the IPA, (not the beer, even though I could go for a Terrapin Hopsecutioner...) is an act that would work against anonymous comments on websites. While some websites have actively worked on requiring accounts prior to posting comments, or linking your Facebook or email address, this bill would allow you to post, but if you don't identify yourself then the post will be deleted.

"This bill will offer them the opportunity to either confront the person making these comments by having that person identified," said Murray, "or have the comment removed all together in the case where this comment is false or slanderous."The measure would require these websites to have either a toll-free phone number or e-mail address for victims of cyberbullying to contact. If a complaint is filed, the website administrator will be required to contact the original commenter, who is given 48 hours to identify themselves as the author of the anonymous post or else the comment will be deleted." (Verette, 2012)

As I stated earlier a solution a little less extreme is where websites such as Slate.com take a similar initiative as the Internet Protection Act. Unlike the IPA's retroactive nature,  they are proactive in requiring you log in to a Facebook or to create an account under your name. While some users are hesitant due to the misconception that websites such as Slate.com require this hurdle in order to steal your information, the reason for doing so is actually to "filter" out comments. According to slate author Farhad Manjoo there is a direct correlation between the hurdles and the quality of comments: the harder it is to post a comment to an article, the better the comments get (Manjoo, 2012). 

Pros and Cons of Creating Policies to Reduce Anonymity