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‘Officer Bubbles’ files $1.2 million lawsuit against YouTube

Brings into question the anonymity of online commentators

Known as “Officer Bubbles,” Toronto Police Constable Adam Josephs—who earned the nickname after a video was posted on YouTube that showed him threateing a G20 protester blowing bubbles at him—has filed a $1.2-million lawsuit against video sharing site. Josephs is seeking $1.2 million in damages, and the identity of the user who posted cartoons in reaction to the original viral video, as well as those of 24 other commentators who he says defamed him. The cartoon versions of the original footage depicts a policeman wearing a name badge reading “A. Josephs” going on an arresting spree, targeting Santa Claus and U.S. President Barack Obama, among others. If the cartoon was intended to criticize overzealous police force during the G20 this summer, this lawsuit may illuminate what some see as abuse of anonymity granted to online commentators.

National Post

YouTube

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