Internet Privacy

Like other users of the Internet, I appreciate the fact that I can surf the Web with anonymity--at least I think I can. But your June 14 article about the use of “John Doe” suits to determine users’ identities misses a very important point.

It is one thing to say that people who use the Internet are entitled to privacy when their actions do not interfere with the rights of others. But if one posts critical or accusatory messages in a public forum, such as a chat room or electronic bulletin board, is it reasonable to expect that his identity will be kept secret? Consider the rights of the victim (i.e., the target of the criticism). If somebody made negative comments about you, don’t you think you would have the right to know their identity, if it was ascertainable? The right of privacy is not absolute.

CARY A. PETZEL

Yucca Valley