Google Defends Users’ Rights to Remain Anonymous Online

Google stood up for the anonymous speech rights of its users when a wealthy pharmaceutical tycoon tried to use a foreign relations law to unmask an anonymous, American Gmail user who had sent critical emails. Google filed a motion to quash arguing that American speakers, like Doe, are protected by the First Amendment, which protects the right to speak anonymously and to criticize others. The tycoon retreated and withdrew his subpoena.