I just got a call from a client who would like to have a blog to discuss local politics in a small town. He owns a service business and wants to keep his ownership or involvement in the site anonymous.

I know that the domain registration can be set to private if the additional fee is paid. Is there a way that the site could be traced back to him via the hosting or any other thing?

He is totally legal, he just wants to rant about some of the things that bother him in the little town's politics.

I also want to be sure that I don't do anything illegal or wrong.

You are no longer "anonymous" on the internet these days.

If the town wants to find out who is talking bad about them, all they need to do is get a court ordered subpoena sent to the web host.

I thought about that. I have already suggested that he speak to an attorney to make sure he does not libel someone.

He would have to really tick off an official to prompt a court to issue a subpoena. But then again, no telling what he may say.

If it's online someone can likely figure out who's behind the site no matter what you do. Private registration is a good step, though I constantly get snail mail and email spam where my address only exists in private registration. Maybe even registering the domain under someone else's name who'd not connected to you, asking their permission first of course.

However be aware that the kind of site he's wanting to create is probably going to lead to some people wanting very much to know who's behind it.

One other thing to point out is that while he may not want to have his political views connected to his business, this can sometimes actually be an advantage. You naturally push away the people who disagree with your views, but you also attract those who agree with you and probably build a stronger and more loyal relationship.

I prefer keeping the business and political separate, but there are plenty of examples where connecting them actually helps the business.

My main advice though is to do everything you can to be anonymous, but know it's unlikely your client will be able to remain 100% anonymous. The information connecting him to the site will be out there. You can make it harder for others to find, but doubtful you can make it impossible to find.

I think if you are not doing anything illegal, Its ok for you to go on with the deal.

Well, you can use a fake name or screen name for you to be secured in any bad things that can happen.

Originally Posted by dWhite

If the town wants to find out who is talking bad about them, all they need to do is get a court ordered subpoena sent to the web host.

Assuming that the hosting company is within the jurisdiction of that court.

Our servers are UK based and if anyone demanding details of a client of ours would have to get a UK court order for the information.
Contrary to popular belief the US does not have global jurisdiction on everything

Actually, I suggested that he consider hosting the blog outside of the US. I was told that the UK does not honor a court order from this side of the pond.

Bottom line, I told the client that if he was that worried that perhaps he might just not go through with his plan. He is meeting with an attorney this week. This has been an interesting issue.

The conversation here sounds legally. I'm learning.

Originally Posted by fog

Actually, I suggested that he consider hosting the blog outside of the US. I was told that the UK does not honor a court order from this side of the pond.

It does depend on the "offence" of course.
Speech is still free here and just because someone is speaking their mind it does not mean they have broken any law, slander or libel only occur when the statement is untrue.
Provided they are not attempting to incite anything illegal, it is their perogative so say what they want.
We may not want to hear it or agree with it, but everyone has the right to be stupid and to let the world know about it.
There are plenty of politicians and world "leaders" who prove that every day of the week.

Originally Posted by fog

Bottom line, I told the client that if he was that worried that perhaps he might just not go through with his plan. He is meeting with an attorney this week. This has been an interesting issue.

To be frank, if he is worried about speaking his mind, what the hell is he doing getting involved in politics in the first place!!!

i never heard anonymous blog before, but i know anonymous email.

Sounds liike he's been refused planning permission and he wants to drop a few council corruption stories.

Chris, don't be too secure about UK hosting - you could end up on a CIA plane to Bulgaria

Originally Posted by PaulW

you could end up on a CIA plane to Bulgaria

Grabbed by the Balkans so to speak


Aah well Sofia, so good

Originally Posted by chrishirst

Assuming that the hosting company is within the jurisdiction of that court.

Our servers are UK based and if anyone demanding details of a client of ours would have to get a UK court order for the information.
Contrary to popular belief the US does not have global jurisdiction on everything

I'm using a Hong Kong host, Beijing won't let US touch its internet.

If you think that you're hitting someone else shoes ( naming a particular person), then this deal is not a good one, but if not, then there is nothing to worry about tracing back or whatever.

Is your country, a democratic country? if that so, you are free to speak out.

Actually if you have a wish to become anonymous, you will become despite of ip address, despite of anything you cannot hide from bots. So yes, it is possible.