[danielf]

Originally Posted by carlwaring

I wasn't want to say anything


There are clear rules as to what is considered a libellous/defamatory comment.

This is an extract from "Essential Radio Journalism" by Paul Chantler & Peter Stewart. (Ch 12, P207)

See, that's the problem:

The legal definition of defamation says that something is libellous if it:

Exposes anyone to hatred, ridicule or contempt.

Now, if I were to say 'I fart in your general direction', this could expose you to ridicule. Who is going to be the judge of what offences are serious enough to warrant handing over an IP address? Do victims have to go to court, to force web masters to hand over IP addresses (as I think they can now), or is a single complaint going to be sufficient? Who is going to decide if an 'offence' has been committed?