Judge Rules Against Google, Online Anonymity

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — In a judgment that strikes a blow against free speech and online anonymity, a judge has ruled that a blogger defamed a fashion model by criticizing her looks.

A New York judge ruled logger Rosemary Port, who runs the website SkanksinNYC, defamed fashion model Liskula Cohen when she said she "may have been hot 10 years ago." Other language on the site included the contentions that Cohen has "desperation seeping from her soul, if she even has one" and how she's "a psychotic, lying, whoring, still going to clubs at her age, skank."

Cohen's modeling career was cut short last year when a doorman disfigured her face with a broken bottle.

But here's the problem: Port wrote the blog entry anonymously through Google's Blogger service. Cohen's lawyers sued to get Google to give up Port's name. Madden, of the Manhattan Supreme Court, ruled in Cohen's favor and forced Google to give up Port's name.

"I'm shocked that my right to privacy has been tampered with," Port said.

After Cohen exposed Port's identity, though, she dropped the suit, claiming that it would add nothing to her life to hurt Port's.

"I wish her happiness," Cohen said. "This is about forgiveness."

Pundits and analysts aren't so sure. John Del Signore of the influential New York blog Gothamist suggested that Port's lowly station as a telemarketer and waitress may have caused Cohen to back off because she couldn't win any money.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Adult Industry Educational, Networking Platform 'Imperfectly You' Launches

Imperfectly You, an educational and networking platform for adult industry workers, has officially launched.

Segpay to Launch News Network for High-Risk Merchants

Segpay has announced that it will launch the Segpay News Network (SNN) on April 15.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

Show More