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March 2001 Newsletter:
Abuse of Message Boards, Poster Boards, and Newsgroups

NOTE: 'Message Boards', 'Poster Boards' & 'Newsgroups' will collectively be referred to as 'Message Boards'.

With the nature of the internet being one of openness and anonymity, anyone has the privilege to post any comments on the public message boards. Many individuals conveniently forget or disregard the first rule of internet safety – Respect. The more publicized abuse of message boards is when someone posts supposed insider information that effects the market value of a particular company. This is not the only abuse.

Just as in the physical world, gossip travels in any fashion that is available. An individuals’ or companies’ reputation can be ruined. An individual can be harassed or stalked. Child abusers find their victims with little effort. A business’ reputation can be ruined through false gossip or rumors. Whatever the problem is, the remedy is the same.

Find a lawyer in your state who specializes in computer crime; and, contact both the owner of the message board and the hosting company to request they save all information related to the postings. Your lawyer is your life preserver. He will explain the difficulties and options involved. Your lawyer must act quickly before records are routinely destroyed. Typically, both the hosting company and message board owner will not honor your or your lawyer’s requests without a court order. They routinely remove their records (your evidence) on an established schedule.

It is very important that you keep a log of all activities. Save the pages where the posting appears as soon as you see it. Save all email correspondence in the original format. Log all phone conversations with the name of the person you talked to, their information, the number you called, etc.

You do have rights while using the internet. The internet is a privilege everyone has. Just as in the physical world, everyone has the right to pursue their interests as long as they obey the laws and do not hurt or infringe on another person.

Message boards are a very useful tool when used correctly. They benefit the entire internet community by providing worldwide communication geared toward a specific topic or persons with common specific interests.

Internet safety is an everyday routine that must be taught to all internet users regardless of age. Periodically review the Internet Safety Guidelines. Make this a family or office practice. Constant repetition will make this chore into an everyday practice. Stay safe in both the virtual and physical world. And, have a wonderful internet experience.