The United States of Anonymous, Jeff Kosseff
The United States of Anonymous, Jeff Kosseff
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The United States of Anonymous
How the First Amendment Shaped Online Speech

Author: Jeff Kosseff

Narrator: David Stifel

Unabridged: 12 hr 36 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/14/2022

Synopsis

In The United States of Anonymous, Jeff Kosseff explores how the right to anonymity has shaped American values, politics, business, security, and discourse, particularly as technology has enabled people to separate their identities from their communications.Legal and political debates surrounding online privacy often focus on the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, overlooking the history and future of an equally powerful privacy right: the First Amendment's protection of anonymity. The United States of Anonymous features extensive and engaging interviews with people involved in the highest profile anonymity cases, as well as with those who have benefited from, and been harmed by, anonymous communications. Through these interviews, Kosseff explores how courts have protected anonymity for decades and, likewise, how law and technology have allowed individuals to control how much, if any, identifying information is associated with their communications. From blocking laws that prevent Ku Klux Klan members from wearing masks to restraining Alabama officials from forcing the NAACP to disclose its membership lists, and to refusing companies' requests to unmask online critics, courts have recognized that anonymity is a vital part of our free speech protections.The United States of Anonymous weighs the tradeoffs between the right to hide identity and the harms of anonymity, concluding that we must maintain a strong, if not absolute, right to anonymous speech.

About Jeff Kosseff

Jeff Kosseff is Associate Professor in the United States Naval Academy's Cyber Science Department and author of the bestselling book, The Twenty-Six Words That Created the Internet. He was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting and the recipient of the George Polk Award in National Reporting. Follow him on Twitter @JKosseff.

About David Stifel

David Stifel trained at the Yale School of Drama and has worked for such noted film directors as Steven Spielberg and Danny Boyle.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Paul on February 16, 2023

Excellent book. Kosseff provides an excellent overview of various aspects of anonymous and pseudonymous speech as well as privacy (and the relationship between the same). This book provides a fantastic rundown of the history and development of various practices and legal protections for anonymous sp......more

Goodreads review by Rachel on July 30, 2022

Kosseff's "The United States of Anonymous" begins with an overview of important U.S. case law on anonymity, predating the internet, and the common motivations for anonymous speech. From there, he looks at specific cases that deal with subpoenas to unmask anonymous Internet users, and finally talks a......more

Goodreads review by Nette on January 17, 2022

The United States of Anonymous was a book I was very interested in reading because of the current times we live in today and the hiding behind a computer screen without any real consequence unless things turn really bad. Jeff Kosseff did a remarkable job in taking us all the way back, to truly under......more

Goodreads review by Tony on September 15, 2022

I’d never considered so deeply the importance and nuances of anonymity - nor its history in the US. I leave with a much deeper respect it’s importance.......more

Goodreads review by Dominique on April 28, 2022

This is a heavy book to read but its an important book. With the advancing state of technology and the ever rotating discourse of speech, it is important (based in the geopolitical realm of the US), to know how the first amendment has shaped public discourse that have created the foundations for the......more

Quotes

“From the world’s leading expert on Section 230, a new book with a balanced and insightful look at online anonymity—the good and the bad—that is required reading for anyone who wants to engage substantively in this debate.” Jimmy Wales, cofounder of Wikipedia

“An indispensable, in-depth look at both the history and present of anonymity protections in American life, media, and online culture, The United States of Anonymous will have resounding implications for the future of democracy.” Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist

“Providing both a great story and keen legal analysis, Jeff Kosseff examines what fuels our commitment to protecting anonymous speech in the United States—and the new and sometimes high costs of that unwavering allegiance.” Victoria Smith Ekstrand, author of Hot News in the Age of Big Data

“Kosseff weaves together history, legal issues, and public affairs in this vital, timely, and highly readable book. The United States of Anonymous should be required reading for all engaged in the debate over anonymity, identity, and privacy in the online age.” Jeff Jarvis, author of What Would Google Do?

“Kosseff has, once again, spotted the next looming topic in technology law—anonymous communication—illuminating its contours with his trademark skill. The United States of Anonymous is a foundational dive into one of the toughest areas of speech, privacy, and identity today.” Kate Klonick, St. John’s University School of Law

“A superb book, accessibly written, that canvasses the history of anonymous speech and its interaction with the law. Kosseff has created a major framework for any future discussions of anonymity.” Anupam Chander, author of The Electronic Silk Road

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