After receiving a subpoena, YouTube has handed over information identifying an individual accused of uploading episodes of "24" to the site.
Google and YouTube have in the past resisted US government subpoenas, but this time they have complied with the ruling and handed over information identifying user ECOTtotal.
The user has been sued by 20th Century fox of uploading episodes of "24" a week before they were set to air in the USA.
The internet is becoming less anonymous all the time. Yahoo! is said to have released information about Chinese citizens that have criticized government officials on forums and newsgroups.
These citizens are facing long prison sentences for speaking their mind against their government online. Not only because they live in China, but because they chose to use a product I use daily: Yahoo!
Roffenon February 18 2007 03:08:56
I am not worried about the internet anonymousity is being 'revealed' to the authorities. I am not worried about the authorities force companies to hand out their user database.
However, I will start to worry, if the authorities get the database for either of two cases, for curiosity or to deter people from free speech.
I have never worried about speaking up, if needed. Perhaps, it's different in China, but then we don't have to change yahoo! We have to force China to change!
I am also worried for companies giving in to big governments, such as Google cencoring their Chinese part of their company... that's far-fetched, and I honestly tried to not use Google anymore.. it worked for about 3-5 days
