The internet may seem lawless and anonymous, a free forum where people can share ideas and comments without fear of retribution. But, according to Julian Glover, who commented in his article in the Guardian “The Web May be Lawless, But it Won’t Stay That Way,” it will not be lawless for long. We are already seeing the beginning of law and how it will shape the landscape of the internet as the veil of anonymity pulls back. Glover argues that today’s internet activity is akin to the first motorways before speed limits. People could drive as fast as they wanted without thinking about being caught or paying a hefty fine.

But the days of anonymity on the internet are screeching to a halt. Especially after the advent of new social media sites like Twitter, people are learning they cannot use the internet to live parallel but separate lives; these cyber-identities are not free from legal consequences. Several recent cases have illustrated the growing liabilities of forgetting this important distinction. 

Last week, a Tory councillor was arrested for stating on his Twitter page that he wanted columnist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown stoned to death. Another man was convicted and lost appeal after declaring on Twitter to 600 followers that he wanted to blow up his local airport. What may seem like empty absurdities or harmless venting has become of very serious concern to law enforcement and sends a strong message that even without rigid statutes or strong legal precedent the law does cover online mischief.