Anonymity on the Internet, Essay Example

Introduction

Becoming anonymous on the Internet requires certain efforts by an individual. These efforts include getting a good firewall. This software screens distrustful traffic online. For example, windows package comes with a firewall, but to be safer, one needs other firewall software. Secondly, a virtual private network is important as it reroutes ones traffic to some other locations before going to the destination. This helps in hiding the sender’s identity and hence ensures it remains safe. To be more secure, private Internet access is a good virtual private network that cannot keep the user records. Moreover, one can remain anonymous with proxies although they are less effective while compared to virtual private network. TOR is also software that can be utilized by individuals who want to remain anonymous on Internet. It makes it very difficult for other persons to extract user’s information. Another tactic is to delete data frequently. Moreover, the choice of operating system is also important, as some are more secure than others are. Some people prefer being anonymous through the faking of names and email address and therefore, making use of pseudonyms. As seen, there are many ways of people becoming anonymous on the Internet.

Freedom of speech on the Internet for anonymous people

There are numerous approaches to communicate secretly on the Internet; these include unknown remailers for e-mail, unnamed posting, and nameless production of Web pages and videos. Anonymity permits an individual to express perspectives uninhibitedly, without the worry of repercussions. Anonymity permits an individual to be contentious, to take disagreeable positions on unpredictable issues, and to attempt to change social order. This freedom of speech and expression through anonymity on the Internet is significant and important since very vital information and opinion can be transferred to as many people as possible without risking individual’s life. Moreover, some of the shared information can be useful to cub wrong deeds, for example, planned by some individuals in the society against others in the community. The Internet permits a person with no cash possibly to achieve a vast crowd and make a real effect. In any case, this discussion can likewise be mishandled. Individuals can post another person private data on a Web webpage namelessly. Individuals can create and post untrue or harming proclamations incognito.

Crimes related to being anonymous

Being anonymous can be at times very dangerous to the society as well as to the safety of human beings. There are several dangers involved because of the anonymity of individuals on the Internet to the larger society. For example, some anonymous people use their anonymity to taint the images and reputations of other people in the society. If the issues posted about other people are extremely serious and negative, these could ruin their lives completely. Their careers may be destroyed, their families put at risk of becoming complicated, and relationship with other people in the society being ruined. More significantly, anonymity may pose a danger on national security of countries. This can be witnessed when evil persons such as terrorists may hide their identities and pass negative and evil messages to their group members on the Internet. Since information on the Internet spread extremely fast, this can pose danger on the people.

Pros of controlling anonymity on the Internet

Control of Internet anonymity is significant since it ensures the control of the information being posted on the Internet by screening out the negative one. Therefore, this ensures that crimes and negative information about other people are curbed and managed. From this control, it is easy to track individuals posting ill-focused information on the Internet and hence insulating the people who could be victims of the negative information. This helps to enhance relationships in many levels across the society. Criminals who use anonymous name or completely hiding their identities will not have any chance of spreading their ill-focused information to the society.

Cons of controlling anonymity on the Internet

However, controlling the anonymity on Internet has several negative effects on the society. Some anonymous people keep it positive by spreading and posting positive feelings and worthy information to the society. Once anonymity on the Internet is fully controlled, most of these people will shy away from expressing their opinions, as they would fear being at risk of endangering their lives. Therefore, the Internet society will be at risk of missing very significant information that may concern their lives. Moreover, the world as a whole will miss information that is vital since some of the anonymous people act as watchdogs in the society.

Conclusion

Anonymity must be allowed to certain levels. The anonymous community on the Internet has different focus and determinations of posting and spreading information on the Internet. Some individuals are anonymous to spread negative information and feelings while on the other hand, the others are very positive and helpful. Therefore, what should be done is the increase of facilities and software that may be able to tracking anonymous persons spreading negative information on the Internet.