Court Protects Anonymity of Blogger Who Criticized Spiritual Organization

In Art of Living Foundation v. Does 1-10, (ND CA, Nov. 9, 2011), a California federal district court held that plaintiff, an organization dedicated to teaching the spiritual lessons of Ravi Shankar, cannot not force Internet service providers at this time to reveal the name of an anonymous online blogger. In expressing concern about protecting the right of anonymous speech, the court noted that this case is unusual because the anonymous blogger appeared in the litigation under a pseudonym, and even participated in discovery.  Art of Living Foundation asserted claims of defamation, misappropriation of trade secrets, copyright infringement and trade libel against the blogger. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press reports on the decision.