An Internet Tough Guy is anyone who posts flames, insults or threats on a regular basis on the Internet.
An Internet Tough Guy is usually a person who suffers from emotional problems and low self-esteem. They can act tough and vent their emotional distress towards others at a distance while believing themselves safe from retaliation. Many but not all hide behind a pseudonym while keeping their true identity secret. Some ITCs also send emails that flame, insult or threaten.
Parts of the United States are considering laws against the practice after a 13-year-old committed suicide after being deceived and harassed by a person or persons who acted as Internet Tough Guys.