Should bloggers reveal identity?
What effect would proposed French law forcing bloggers to publish full name and address have on freedom of expression?
A French MP has drafted a law that would force bloggers to ditch their anonymity and publish their full name and contact details.
The proposal has been fiercely opposed online. Many anonymous bloggers who share insights into their work and life say they would never be able to continue if they had to put their real name to the blog.
Web hosting companies argue that the current measures are perfectly adequate - requiring them to co-operate and provide information about a blogger in the event of legal action.
We asked Connexion newsletter readers what they thought. Here are some of the responses:
This will force bloggers to stop
I don't currently have a blog in France but I do believe if the bill goes through then many people who do will simply close down their sites.
It seems adequate enough as it stands that people can be traced and prosecuted, surely disclosing the bloggers contact details adds no value.
HL Ralston
by email
Offshore hosting could be answer
As I do not write contentious articles, I have no fear of retribution. However, the spirit of many bloggers (political or otherwise) are likely to be compromised.
Surely it doesn't take much to blog offshore? My server for the website and the blog is in Denmark I think, so no worries for me.
Peter Mathews
Moux, Aude
No problem being identified
I publish a blog, http://blog.french-holidays-aude.com/ and have no problem doing it publicly.
I think bloggers should say who they are and why they blog especially if they offer services or products through affiliate relationships.
Brian Stephens
