Many products exist to keep a user’s IP address and identity hidden. Consumer advocates and civil libertarians praise the products, but police officers and Internet lawyers are wary. Law enforcement officials insist that lawbreakers are the only people who really need the anonymity offered by these products. Anonymity is not a constitutional right, and law enforcement officials feel something should be built into the products that would permit them, with a court order, to trace the identity of users engaged in illegal activities.
• To what extent is online anonymity a desirable trait? Why?
• Should limits be imposed on anonymity online? Why or why not?
• Should data encryption techniques be available without limit around the world?