Judge Allows Amazon Users To Fight To Keep Identities From North Carolina Department Of Revenue

US District Court Judge Marsha Pechman has ruled that residents who oppose North Carolina's attempt to learn their identities may intervene in a lawsuit to block disclosure.

The residents "have demonstrated that they have significant protectable interests in this case under the First and Fourteenth Amendments," wrote Judge Pechman. She added that even though the residents are allied with Amazon, they are entitled to make their own arguments rather than rely on the online retailer's stance. Judge Pechman additionally decided that the residents can proceed in court without providing their names.

The ACLU, which is representing the Amazon users, praised the ruling. "This decision allows our clients -- who the court also permitted to proceed anonymously in order to protect their privacy -- to have their own voices heard in this proceeding as the court determines their rights to privacy and free expression."