The High Court has ruled that a blogger has no reasonable expectation to anonymity due to the public nature of the activity. A prize-winning blogger was revealed by The Times newspaper to be Richard Horton, a police officer, who criticised procedures, senior politicians and also leaked details of cases. Mr Horton sought an injunction to prevent the newspaper publishing his identity claiming that to do so would be a breach of confidentiality and privacy. Mr Justice Eady said there was no expectation of privacy in publishing the blog and that, even if this had been established, the public interest in disclosure would prevail. This ruling is a warning to any bloggers in institutions who rely on anonymity, particularly to avoid disciplinary action. The article can be read in full at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/5552019/Bloggers-do-not-have-the-right-keep-their-identities-secret-High-Court-rules.html
(18/06/09)