Because almost every IP address has been assigned to a company, government, agency or ISP (internet service provider) this helps narrow down which network the messages in this case came from.

BBC: Email trail helped FBI crack Petraeus case

The e-mails, and the identity of their senders, were passed on to Malaysian police by a compliant ISP (Internet service provider), but Malaysians continued to use the Web as their only way of bypassing the government-controlled print media.

CNN: Malaysian hackers may face indefinite detention

It can go up if there needs to be another court order brought on an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

FORBES: Lawsuits Against Web Trolls?Are On The Rise

But if push comes to shove, the IRS is unlikely to be able to get your emails from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

FORBES: Can The IRS Access Your Emails?

Time Warner Cable, another US internet service provider (ISP) pledging to tackle piracy, says it will use pop-up warnings to deter repeat offenders.

BBC: Verizon to choke pirates' browsing speeds

Europe's leading internet service provider (ISP) T-Online has surprised analysts by reporting better-than-expected profit in the third quarter, putting it on track for its first profitable year.

BBC: T-Online shines as Tiscali stumbles

The target of the criticism then files a frivolous lawsuit just so they can issue a subpoena to the Web site or Internet Service Provider (ISP) involved, discover the identity of their anonymous critic, and intimidate or silence them.

FORBES: 'Skanks in NYC' blogger plans $15 million lawsuit against Google

The company sees a day when any company--soapmaker, shoe marketer, airline, bank--can act as an Internet service provider (ISP). 1stUp's angle: The marketers pay 1stUp to provide the behind-the-curtain ISP service they offer, giving it away to gain an intimate, ongoing relationship with customers.

FORBES: Free For All