The subject of the comment pressed charges against the anonymous user for libel and misuse of a communications system. This led the public prosecutor’s office in canton Zug to ask the SBC, swissinfo.ch’s parent company, to reveal the user’s IP (internet protocol) address.

The SBC refused, arguing that disclosing the information would conflict with its commitment to shielding its sources. However, the prosecution believed that there were no grounds to protect the IP address and took the case to Switzerland’s highest court.

It rejected an appeal by the prosecution calling for the identification of a user who had contributed to a feedback blog – setting a precedent that bolsters media freedom in Switzerland.