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In the internet world the positiveness of anonymity seems to be in a process of disruption caused by the society. Internet was born as a free space where everyone could have the right to freely express himself.

But the multitude is now standing for trasparency, rejecting anonymity as falsity, cowardice and illegality. In a space where everyone imposes its rules, how is freedom surviving?


* sign-up with your real name to spread this message





In the internet world the positiveness of anonymity seems to be in a process of disruption caused by the society. Internet was born as a free space where everyone could have the right to freely express himself.

But the multitude is now standing for trasparency, rejecting anonymity as falsity, cowardice and illegality. In a space where everyone imposes its rules, how is freedom surviving?

WHAT DOES THE WEB SAY
ABOUT ANONYMITY?






The controversy around anonymity on the internet includes different themes of debate brought in support or at a disadvantage of the issue.

Here reported the topics emerged from the debate concerning regulations, judicial case studies, social media and technologies.






why is the first amendment so relevant?



The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is the most cited topic of the debate. Speech rights were expanded after a series of court decisions including protection for anonymous free speech. These rulings also defined a series of exceptions such as defamation, misappropriation of trade secrets or harassment.










WHICH IS THE COLLECTIVE
IMAGINATION AROUND ANONYMITY?






Exploring anonymity theme through images it is mostly perceived in a negative way and it never emerges as a right or as freedom of expression.

Below is shown a collection of 600 images grouped by type of content: headless, covered face, no face, technology and silhouette.





In the images map created the “covered face” category fills the biggest part. Which are the main masks?


Anonymous faces are mostly covered by something, hidden behind masks or physiognomically deformed. The most seen images are the balaclava, the Guy Fawkes mask and the paper bag. Click on the three images below to see the percentage. The remaining 26% are images of varius covering ways.




                  





THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN IS CORRUPTING THE POSITIVE SENSE OF ANONYMITY AS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION


Since internet appearence human habits and communication changed a lot. People start to chat online, to study and to read news, to organize and encourage revolutions, to inform and be informed thanks to internet: the fastest and largest way to spread messages.

Which are the main areas where to communicate and express themselves?


2.008.000.000

People having an active account on a social network: online platforms able to connect people all over the world, and to facilitate the flow of information. Are these actually equal and free?

ARE ANONYMOUS USERS ALLOWED
TO ENTER IN THESE SOCIAL networks?



Access Denied


!


This wall is raised up by the main social networks that are increasingly trying to estrange anonymous profiles from their communities










Facebook brag about being a transparent social network. This definition seems to change the meaning of “anonymity” as matt or dull. In the graphic it’s easy to understand that the most used online social media ask for the real name to allow the access.

Facebook, Google+ and Twitter are trying to expand their dominions on the other social networks in order to create a universal log-in. Can we let giants dominate the social media zone? Can anonymity resist under the weight of the Real Name policy?



Many online commu-
nities, without anonymity,
may not have the right
to speak freely









Anonymous social networking allow people expressing opinions and discussing about delicate topics such as sexual orientation, religious thoughts, political issues and health problems ect.

Most of the social network allowing anonymity are designed to offer a free space to those people who want to speak their minds without repercussions.


Anonymous commentary can enable people to speak the truth. Although anonymity has always had a critical role, people should not forget that, in history, it played an important role in the progress of mankind.

THIS REAL NAME PREDOMINANCE IS OVERWHELMING THE GOOD SENSE OF ANONYMITY “AS A SHIELD FROM THE TYRANNY OF THE MAJORITY”

(From the Court Case: McIntyre v. Ohio Election Commission)



ANONYMITY MUST BE PROTECTED

   * otherwise

   how could people freely

   express themselves?

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