The decision written by Justice Thomas Cromwell "falls short of recognizing any 'right' to anonymity," but recognizes the clear "privacy interest in anonymity depending on the circumstances." And therein lies the crux of the matter. It's reasonable to expect your privacy be maintained online, and your anonymity in many cases is central to that perceived privacy. Only with probable cause should that veil of privacy be lifted according to the court.

Law enforcement and conservatives in the government are upset with the ruling. By enshrining online anonymity as a core component of privacy tracking criminals or terrorists becomes slightly more difficult, thanks to additional bureaucracy. However, privacy advocates have applauded the decision. A guarantee of anonymity encourages free speech, dissenting political views and whistle blowers.