<
https://theconversation.com/ending-online-anonymity-wont-make-social-media-less-toxic-172228>
"In recent months the government has proposed cracking down on online
anonymity. The idea is that attaching online posts to a person’s real name will
reduce abuse and increase accountability.
Online bullying and misinformation are growing problems, and government action
to address them is overdue.
However, limiting anonymity alone won’t make social media less toxic. It will
only work combined with broader reforms to platform design and business models,
which drive polarisation, negativity, abuse and misinformation.
Reforms must also protect free speech and account for power imbalances between
citizens and the state. The mooted changes come alongside suggestions of public
funding for defamation actions by parliamentarians. Cynics might view these two
suggestions together as an effort to silence reproach."
Unfortunately this is a bad idea that keep on coming around. Anonymity is not
only used by bullies and disinformation spreaders. It is also a valuable shield
for dissenters and the most vulnerable, such as people at risk from those they
live or work with. Any legislation against online anonymity puts people in
danger.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
