An Indiana judge has ordered that the Indianapolis Star and the Indianapolis Business Journal must turn over identifying information for Internet users who posted anonymous comments on online forums run by those news outlets.
Mikel Livingston of the Journal & Courier in Lafayette writes that the Business Journal has complied with the order, while the Star is contesting the action.
Livingston writes, “A ruling on whether Indianapolis-based news station WRTV also must turn over information about people who submitted comments to its website is expected this week.
“It’s the first time in Indiana that a judge has ruled that news media can be ordered by the court to reveal identifying information about those who post on online forums.
“Lafayette-based attorney Roger Bennett said the rulings could have ‘ominous implications.'”
Read more here. The case is a defamation suit filed by the former CEO of the Junior Achievement of Central Indiana. The papers are not defendants in the case.
