Standing With Lu: The Battle for Online Identity Protection

This is not a legal fund and will not be used to hire an attorney!!

Hi there. I want to tell you about my friend Lu Anne Esposito and why she urgently needs our financial support. Lu hasn't been able to find work for over three years now, and the funds we raise will primarily go toward helping her with basic household expenses. Her father has been supporting her through this difficult time, and our donations will help ease this burden while she continues to heal from severe PTSD.

Lu got caught in the middle of something bigger than herself. What many people don't know is that this case centers around anonymous social media users and who has the right to unmask their identities. Lu found herself targeted in legal action aimed at forcing her to reveal who certain online accounts belonged to.

Hopefully, you’re skeptical by now. Good. I’m proud of you.

Below are 3 documents over 2 years in which Ms. Scott tries to compel an identity from Ms. Esposito.

2017-11-13-Defendants-Second-Motion-to-Compel.pdf

Motion to Compel April 2018 pdf

Motion to Compel October 2018

When Lu refused to identify these anonymous users, things got tough for her. She believed strongly in protecting people's right to speak anonymously online - something our country has valued since the days of the Federalist Papers. The timeline shows many different usernames became central to this case, with ongoing demands to reveal who was behind these accounts.

By 2017, the situation had become so serious that Lu was facing legal action. What followed was incredibly difficult - confusing court procedures, massive legal bills, and eventually the loss of her home and financial stability.

Despite losing so much, Lu has continued to stand up for the principle that people should be able to speak freely online without fear of being exposed. This case isn't just about one person - it's about important protections for everyone who uses the internet.

Now in 2025, Lu is representing herself in court, still fighting for these principles even after everything she's been through. Her strength shows how much she believes in protecting anonymous speech online, even when it has cost her nearly everything.

Lu's story reminds us that sometimes ordinary people end up at the center of much bigger battles about our digital rights. By supporting Lu, we're standing up for protections that benefit all of us in the digital world.

Though Lu faces ongoing challenges from her PTSD that make returning to work uncertain, her spirit remains unbroken. She continues to fight not just for herself, but for principles that matter to all of us. Your donation today will provide immediate relief for her basic needs while honoring the incredible courage she's shown throughout this ordeal. Let's help Lu stay strong while she continues this important fight.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​