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Online Impersonations Now Illegal In California

Posted by samzenpus on from the lets-pretend dept.

theodp writes "TechCrunch's Michael Arrington reports that a California bill criminalizing online impersonations went into effect on January 1st. 'There has to be intent to harm, intimidate, threaten, or defraud another person — not necessarily the person you are impersonating,' explains Arrington. 'Free speech issues, including satire and parody, aren't addressed in the text of the bill. The courts will likely sort it out.' So, Fake Steve Jobs, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?'"

3 of 217 comments (clear)

  1. Re:message to theodp by 91degrees · · Score: 1, Funny

    No. Not under this fucking law. It should fall under the fucking exceptions. I also think that the fucking law should contain some more fucking swearwords to make people know it's fucking serious.

  2. Re:Rich protecting themselves by cheekyjohnson · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well, of course! Why would they want to protect someone who doesn't have massive amounts of money?

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    Filthy, filthy copyrapists!
  3. Re:News flash! by jbeaupre · · Score: 4, Funny

    Identity theft in all its forms is illegal.

    So that must mean you're the real Anonymous Coward?

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    The world is made by those who show up for the job.