It is now a federal crime to anonymously "annoy" someone via the Internet. Last Thursday, the President signed into law a prohibition that definitely kills harassing emails and might prevent flaming — unless you post your real name. This new law is tucked into the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act under "Preventing Cyberstalking." It reads:

"Whoever...utilizes any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet... without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person...who receives the communications...shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."

Yep. Two years, trolls. According to CNET, Sen. Arlen Specter slipped this into the must-pass bill in order to sneak it through. The ruse worked. The bill sailed through the House of Representative and the Senate, because we all know those guys don't read every bill they pass.

Here's the sticky bit. While cyberstalking can be a serious problem, defining a word like "annoying" is relative. What bothers me may or may not bother you. And now, that could mean a federal crime. Take note trolls, take note.

Full Story [CNET News] Thanks, Gant!

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