Judge Rules Against Google, Online Anonymity

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — In a judgment that strikes a blow against free speech and online anonymity, a judge has ruled that a blogger defamed a fashion model by criticizing her looks.

A New York judge ruled logger Rosemary Port, who runs the website SkanksinNYC, defamed fashion model Liskula Cohen when she said she "may have been hot 10 years ago." Other language on the site included the contentions that Cohen has "desperation seeping from her soul, if she even has one" and how she's "a psychotic, lying, whoring, still going to clubs at her age, skank."

Cohen's modeling career was cut short last year when a doorman disfigured her face with a broken bottle.

But here's the problem: Port wrote the blog entry anonymously through Google's Blogger service. Cohen's lawyers sued to get Google to give up Port's name. Madden, of the Manhattan Supreme Court, ruled in Cohen's favor and forced Google to give up Port's name.

"I'm shocked that my right to privacy has been tampered with," Port said.

After Cohen exposed Port's identity, though, she dropped the suit, claiming that it would add nothing to her life to hurt Port's.

"I wish her happiness," Cohen said. "This is about forgiveness."

Pundits and analysts aren't so sure. John Del Signore of the influential New York blog Gothamist suggested that Port's lowly station as a telemarketer and waitress may have caused Cohen to back off because she couldn't win any money.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Clips4Sale Adds 'Spatial Video' Category

Clips4Sale (C4S) has debuted a “spatial video” category for the next generation of VR and AR devices.

Lemon Social Launches Educational Program, 'Metaverse' Feature

Premium fan platform Lemon Social has debuted an "Adult Content University" program and a "Lemon Social Metaverse" feature.

Australian Conservatives Raise Concerns About US-Born Online Censor

Long after progressive free speech advocates in Australia questioned eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant over her campaigns to target adult content, conservatives and libertarians are now raising concerns about the powers granted to the country’s top censor — an unelected former tech exec born in the U.S. — with some calling for her ouster.

Cupcake Girls, Aylo Partner on Educational Video Series for Performers

The Cupcake Girls and Aylo have teamed up to produce a series of educational videos focused on safety standards for adult performers.

My.Club Appoints Nicole Aniston Newest Brand Ambassador

My.Club has named Nicole Aniston its newest brand ambassador.

Elevated X Implements Age Verification Solution, Integration API

Elevated X is now offering age verification services (AVS) through an API.

MojoHost Unveils 'Star Wars Day' Promo

MojoHost will celebrate “Star Wars Day” on Saturday by offering a special discount on new purchases of dedicated servers, VPS and CDN prepay plans throughout the month of May.

2024 XBIZ Miami Show Schedule Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full show schedule for XBIZ Miami, the adult industry's biggest summer conference, set to take place May 13-16.

Video: FSC's Alison Boden Testifies Before California Assembly Committee Regarding Age Verification

Free Speech Coalition Executive Director Alison Boden testified before the California Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, in opposition to the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Princess Mindy Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for May

LoyalFans has named Princess Mindy as its Featured Creator for May.

Show More