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In Brazil, Google Fined For Content of Anonymous Posting
Sabriel writes "Google's appeal against a 2008 defamation ruling in Brazil over an anonymous posting on Orkut has been denied, and Google has been fined $8,500US ($9,100) for the crime of being vandalized. In the words of the judge, Alvimar de Avila, 'By making space available on virtual networking sites, in which users can post any type of message without any checks beforehand, with offensive and injurious content, and, in many cases, of unknown origin, [Google] assumes the risk of causing damage [to other people].' I'd submit a blunter opinion of this farce, but it might be considered offensive and injurious content. ... I wonder if he's related to the judge in Italy?"
What's REALLY going on is that Government Leaders want to be able to track down dissenters, and lock them in jail. By taking-away our ability to be anonymous, they make us ALL less free. You don't like the President and you say so in a public fora? Might as well pack your bags because your new home will be provided by the Brazilian Justice Ministry.
Free speech is free speech. If you must show an ID every time you open your mouth, then your mouth is no longer yours. It is owned by the government leaders, like a modern-day serf.
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall