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It Is easy to make light of this case but there are larger principles at play. I do not know the details of this case, but there is much to be said for retaining anonymity in legal proceedings in cases which involve online communications where anonymity is often the norm.

As an example, a 3rd party obtained an order against Google to disclose the ip address of my client who had allegedly defamed this 3rd party online. My client believed it was simply a tactic to obtain their details which the 3rd party may then have used for purposes other than bringing legal proceedings.

True, this can be dealt with by anonymity orders on a case-by-case basis as it often is. However, in online communications where anonymity is often the norm there is a case to be made that a party should be able to retain their anonymity unless and until an order is obtained or at least until evidence must be given. Service can be dealt with online to the same address or domain from which the Defendant publishes the alleged offending material.