The use of encryption and anonymity to exercise the rights to freedom of opinion and expression in the digital age 2015, para. 49
Paragraph
Paragraph text
Prohibition of anonymity online interferes with the right to freedom of expression. Many States ban it regardless of any specific government interest. The Constitution of Brazil (art. 5) prohibits anonymous speech. The Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (art. 57) similarly prohibits anonymity. In 2013, Viet Nam outlawed the use of pseudonyms, which forced individuals with personal blogs to publicly list their real name and address. In 2012, the Islamic Republic of Iran required the registration of all IP addresses in use inside the country and cybercafe users to register their real names before using a computer. Ecuadoran law requires commenters on websites and mobile phone owners to register under a real name.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
Equality & Inclusion
Governance & Rule of Law
Person(s) affected
Activists
Year
2015
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
SR Freedom of Opinion, Report to the HRC (2015), A/HRC/29/32, para. 49.