A method and apparatus for communication via a computer network (102)
including registering a plurality of users (206, 222, 224) with a trusted
body (110, 210). The trusted body (110, 210) verifies the identity of
each user (206, 222, 224) and generates a random identifier (216) for
each user (206, 222, 224). A plurality of users (206, 222, 224) can enter
into a dialogue with the other users by means of messages sent over the
computer network (102) via the trusted body (110, 210). A user (206, 222,
224) remains anonymous through use of its random identifier (216) until
such time as the user (206, 222, 224) reveals its true identity. Due to
the registration of the users (206, 222, 224) with the trusted body (110,
210) a means of non-repudiation of the dialogue by the users (206, 222,
224) is provided.