brad@looking.UUCP (Brad Templeton) (11/17/84)
If there were a central organization providing the net, we could provide a degree of anonymity. Namely users would be able to post messages without their name, but their real name would have to be registered in the (private) central database. This would allow replies to be sent by mail and would provide a backup method in the case of libel or "mail fraud." It's just the way the post office works the P.O. box. You can get a box, and tell people you are John Doe, box 123. People can mail you and the post office will deliver it, but they will not tell the sender who you are. If you use your box for fraud or libel, then they will reveal who you are to the police. On the net this principle could apply. Furthermore, if the community decides that a person has the right to know who their accusers are, no anonymous posting would be allowed that made an accusation against a person or organization. Of course this is all meaningless in the current net. On this net anybody can make an anonymous posting. Most sites don't have any security on news or uux of news. -- Brad Templeton, Looking Glass Software Ltd. - Waterloo, Ontario 519/884-7473