State Rep hopes to make anonymous web posting illegal in KY

Legislation recently submitted by state Rep. Tim Couch would require people writing on any online forum to include their full name with their comments. The bill would also require that anyone commenting on a particular website register their email and physical address with that site.

The bill would levy significant fines on site operators who allow anonymous comments. A first offense would result in a $500 fine and $1000 would be charged for every additional offense. Rep. Couch, a Republican, has reportedly admitted that he does not believe the bill has legs, but he is hoping to bring attention to online bullying. Many agree, calling the proposal a blatant violation of First Amendment rights.