CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) – Comcast Cable Communications must identify an internet-service subscriber who posted an anonymous message suggesting a political candidate molests children, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled Thursday, affirming a lower court opinion.
Potentially libelous online comments are an increasing source of concern. Commenters often hide behind the cloak of anonymity, seemingly untouchable. Don Craven, an attorney for the Illinois Press Association, said Thursday’s decision should make clear that Illinois, at least, will not tolerate such attempts at defamation.
The Comcast subscriber whose name must be revealed commented on a 2011 article in the Freeport Journal Standard about Bill Hadley’s candidacy for the Stephenson County board.
“Hadley is a Sandusky waiting to be exposed. Check out the view he has of Empire (Elementary School) from his front door,” wrote the commenter, who used the online name “Fuboy.” The comment was an apparent reference to former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky, who was convicted of child sex abuse in 2012.
Robert Fagan, a Freeport attorney who represents the commenter, declined comment, saying he hadn’t yet spoken to his client.