

Google has been instructed to reveal the identity of an anonymous blogger in a defamation lawsuit filed by an Indian construction company against them, reports the Wall Street Journal.

The blogger known only as "Toxic Writer," is accused of attacking the Mumbai-based Gremach Infrastructure Equipments & Projects Ltd. in what they are calling a “hate campaign.”

The blog was taken down, and Google’s Indian subsidiary is claiming they are not responsible for the Blogger.com service.

An angry blogger expressing his opinion anonymously online? Sounds like pretty standard fare for the Web. But the case may force Google to re-examine their business in India, and the issue raises questions about the future of free speech and anonymity online.

John Watson, associate professor at American University specializing in communication law, says this case is not unusual, considering the location.

“One of the most common places for people to sue, because they will generally win, are nations that are or have formerly been part of the British Commonwealth, where there is no First Amendment, and the law looks more toward protecting the reputation of people than protecting the free speech of speakers,” Watson told Wired.com.

“Google which is an American corporation enjoys a great deal of protection here in the United States, but in the rest of the world, it's subject to the laws of wherever these articles or communications are published,” he added.

This could potentially become an issue for bloggers bashing folks overseas, and set an example for cases regarding anonymity. On the positive side, maybe it will encourage citizen journalists to back up their posts with more researched and trustworthy information.

And the other obvious question: What did this construction company do to get this guy/girl so irked?

Google Defamation Suit in India Threatens Blogger’s Anonymity [Wall Street Journal]

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