Question about information/privacy
 

This question will be in a similiar vein to my question about an infraction. Not sure if it is dealt with elswhere.

What happens if someone posts information that is truly libelous, in some way constitutes a security breach, or perhaps is even considered "inside information" as described by the SEC?

Can the Moderators turn the person in or hand over personal information such as email address, name, etc to proper authorities? Has this ever happened (no details, just yes or no).

Just curious about this issue. The site is well moderated and threads bordering on any of these issues would be closed quickly...just wondering "What if..."

Thank you.

Only HSLD can answer that. I'd suggest you PM him.

Generally web site owners can, at their discretion, opt to protect (or not protect) the info they have on their posters. Most would tend not to give you up voluntarily (security issues might be a special case).

The only exception would be a subpoena...someone can sue you for things you say on forums, and they can then supboena the website owner. The owner may only have your yahoo email and not be able to give up any identifying info, but they can also subpoena yahoo, google, web hosting services, and ISPs to get your IP address...which might lead to your identity if you post from home.

This is good to keep in mind...if you say something which might be controversial or annoy someone who's known for being litigous (ornstien) you should word it so that you do not appear to be stating a fact. Allegedly, possibly, probably, maybe are good weasel words.

I think the courts have tended to side with posters who were obviously just stating their opinion in a conversational format, but many companies will sue you anyway. They don't care if they win, but if they can cost you $50K in legal fees it might discourage future online criticism. Everyone who worked at mesa knows about this...if you check out mesahub.com they have elaborate security precautions to protect posters.