Banning Anonymity On Internet Forums

[Ulysses G.]

Internet forums have become havens for hate-mongers, loons and libelers. Has anonymity become more of a problem than a positive thing?

Troll, Reveal Thyself

Why we need to get rid of anonymous comments.

By Farhad Manjoo

Posted Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at 5:55 PM ET Once or twice a week, I get a letter taking me to task for Slate's commenting policy. The reader wants to tell me that I suck, but he doesn't want to log in to Slate's comment system using his credentials for Facebook, Google, Yahoo, or Twitter. Obviously this requirement doesn't bother everyone; hundreds of people happily sign in every week to tell me I suck. Yet I imagine that there are lots more people who are itching to chime in but who are put out by the login process.

more: http://www.slate.com/toolbar.aspx?action=print&id=2287739

[manarak]

Has anonymity become more of a problem than a positive thing?

no it hasn't.

and... you suck.

;-)

no, seriously, avoid signing in anywhere with facebook, twitter, google, yahoo or openID.

if you need to use these services, create a "role" - not necessarily a fake identity, but a set of personal data including a specific email address you will use only in connection with this "role" (or legend).

use disposable email adresses and strictly segregate their use to the "role" the address was created for.

avoid cloud computing, and avoid gmail and other online email storage services (use POP3 or setup your own server)

avoid flickr and picasa and similar services

don't use gmail to store your contacts and messages, avoid using these functions of android phones

gmail wants my phone number to activate, how frightening is that?

I still don't have a gmail account.

my profession?

webmaster...

Edited March 16, 2011 by manarak

[Ulysses G.]

Has anonymity become more of a problem than a positive thing?

no it hasn't.

and... you suck.

;-)

....my profession?

webmaster...

You don't say.

[pjclark1]

Who cares!

I use my real name on forums anyway.

[canuckamuck]

Sooner or later there will be a detailed database on everyone, so many people have their whole lives out there online.

Orwell was prophetic but a little early.

[JurgenG]

Saturday Keynote Recap: Chris Poole Explains Why Anonymity is Authenticity

In his SXSW Interactive keynote presentation, the 22-year-old creator of 4chan made his case for the importance of protecting anonymity online and held as the crux of his debate the belief that anonymity allows people to be more creative.

Poole has created a space where content is constantly being washed away by new content, so all that stays on these imageboards with no memory is what resonates with the community. Effectively, a 'survival of the fittest' content model.

With this model, Poole also ensures that the emphasis remains on the content and not on the creator. On other websites that rely on user-generated content, people tend to bandwagon around certain power users and the focus then shifts from content to creator.

Poole wrapped up his keynote by referencing the early days of the internet when everything was set in type. Now, as he sees it, the web is not set in stone and by simply giving people a space to share, collaborate and play with media, he has helped in forming one of the most influential of internet communities.

To Poole, who believes “everything is a canvas,” often times it’s the process at which you arrive at the product that is the most fascinating. Only time will tell if Poole’s new start up, appropriately named Canvas, will foster a similar, 4chan-like community experience.

http://sxsw.com/node/7039

[ronz28]

Sounds like a lawyer's ___ dream.

[canuckamuck]

People that are in favor of removing anonymity from forums should consider that if we had same attitude for voting and we removed anonymity from ballots, democracy would be greatly compromised. Eventually the control freaks will destroy the internet, but we shouldn't help them.

[DP25]

hundreds of people happily sign in every week to tell me I suck.

It would be thousands, no wonder he's in favor of making it harder for people to tell him so.

Would never post in a forum that required real name, posting your real name on the internet is a bad idea. Too many nutjobs out there, insult some lunatic like Jared Loughner (intentionally or not) and if he has your name and address next thing he shows up on your door step gun in hand

[robblok]

Here on Thaivisa i use my real name. However on Dutch fora where i am more vocal and showing my political views and opinions i dont use my real name. Because my clients might read about those and might not agree with those. I could loose business that way. So i can certainly understand people's need to stay anonymous.

[sbk]

Was thinking pub but maybe Internet forum is better since this isn't really Thailand related

//MOVED//

[JurgenG]

<br>Here on Thaivisa i use my real name. However on Dutch fora where i am more vocal and showing my political views and opinions i dont use my real name. Because my clients might read about those and might not agree with those. I could loose business that way. So i can certainly understand people's need to stay anonymous.<br>

Same here.

During my holidays, when my (conservative) customers can't see me, you can meet me wearing a 3 days beard, a torn jean and sleeveless shirt but I'll never show up for work like this.

On the internet where whatever you say is available anytime anywhere a bit of privacy, anonymity is definitively needed. Otherwise it will be like having to wear a suit and a tie even on the beach.

Edited March 16, 2011 by JurgenG

[PattayaParent]

So in future Internet forums will be requiring members to provide certified copies of their passports / ID cards and proof of address (like the banks do) in order to join so they can be sure of the persons real identity?

[thaimate]

Every thing i have used on the internet i have used a false identity and e mail address ,many years ago i was told "never put your head over the wall" always keep a low profile and this was before computer use became so widespread ,its served me very very well in life .

[DP25]

So in future Internet forums will be requiring members to provide certified copies of their passports / ID cards and proof of address (like the banks do) in order to join so they can be sure of the persons real identity?

They do this in South Korea already. It's required by the Korean Internet Anonymity Law. Signing up for any kind website, forum or chatroom requires a Korean ID card.

[nikster]

So in future Internet forums will be requiring members to provide certified copies of their passports / ID cards and proof of address (like the banks do) in order to join so they can be sure of the persons real identity?

They do this in South Korea already. It's required by the Korean Internet Anonymity Law. Signing up for any kind website, forum or chatroom requires a Korean ID card.

So they ban 4chan? Can't imagine...

4chan is great but it's also total anarchy... check it out if you've never seen it, very interesting. Just Google for it, I don't think it's at .com...

[inmysights]

Has anonymity become more of a problem than a positive thing?

no it hasn't.

and... you suck.

;-)

no, seriously, avoid signing in anywhere with facebook, twitter, google, yahoo or openID.

if you need to use these services, create a "role" - not necessarily a fake identity, but a set of personal data including a specific email address you will use only in connection with this "role" (or legend).

use disposable email adresses and strictly segregate their use to the "role" the address was created for.

avoid cloud computing, and avoid gmail and other online email storage services (use POP3 or setup your own server)

avoid flickr and picasa and similar services

don't use gmail to store your contacts and messages, avoid using these functions of android phones

gmail wants my phone number to activate, how frightening is that?

I still don't have a gmail account.

my profession?

webmaster...

I have several email accounts - nothing nefarious, simply organises my many subscriptions to sites of my eclectic interests.

However, not one of them has my correct name/address, let alone bloody telephone number! And you, as a 'webmaster' LOL! Should be aware that you can just pull some random number out of your head and pass Go without having to enter 'We now have even more info on you land'.

[jdinasia]

People that are in favor of removing anonymity from forums should consider that if we had same attitude for voting and we removed anonymity from ballots, democracy would be greatly compromised. Eventually the control freaks will destroy the internet, but we shouldn't help them.

Huh? I am fairly sure that when I vote, my credentials/eligibility to vote is checked and verified. I have no problem with people wanting some basic verification of who I am before accessing THEIR service. I have no problem with people choosing not to do so either. (use the service that is)

The world is getting smaller and people are having to be a bit more responsible for their words and actions. Unless you are a super-hacker, not much that you do on the internet can't be tracked back to you anyways

[inmysights]

Sooner or later there will be a detailed database on everyone, so many people have their whole lives out there online.

Orwell was prophetic but a little early.

And had the same opinion of the general populace's intelligence/gullibility as do I.

[inmysights]

People that are in favor of removing anonymity from forums should consider that if we had same attitude for voting and we removed anonymity from ballots, democracy would be greatly compromised. Eventually the control freaks will destroy the internet, but we shouldn't help them.

Huh? I am fairly sure that when I vote, my credentials/eligibility to vote is checked and verified. I have no problem with people wanting some basic verification of who I am before accessing THEIR service. I have no problem with people choosing not to do so either. (use the service that is)

The world is getting smaller and people are having to be a bit more responsible for their words and actions. Unless you are a super-hacker, not much that you do on the internet can't be tracked back to you anyways

Pity the ruling elite don't 'have to be a bit more responsible for their words and actions'.

And I'm NOT talking about various World puppets, er, governments. Wake up.

[jdinasia]

Pity the ruling elite don't 'have to be a bit more responsible for their words and actions'.

And I'm NOT talking about various World puppets, er, governments. Wake up.

Inmysights, I assume you can name specific people that are the "ruling elite" for the world? Who are these people (by name please) and what do they do to control things?

[powderpuff]

If there's a list Soros is on it.

[canuckamuck]

People that are in favor of removing anonymity from forums should consider that if we had same attitude for voting and we removed anonymity from ballots, democracy would be greatly compromised. Eventually the control freaks will destroy the internet, but we shouldn't help them.

Huh? I am fairly sure that when I vote, my credentials/eligibility to vote is checked and verified. I have no problem with people wanting some basic verification of who I am before accessing THEIR service. I have no problem with people choosing not to do so either. (use the service that is)

The world is getting smaller and people are having to be a bit more responsible for their words and actions. Unless you are a super-hacker, not much that you do on the internet can't be tracked back to you anyways

Of course you knew I meant the anonymity of who you voted for. A vote is an anonymous comment, just like comments on the web. Anonymity is freedom.

[manarak]

Has anonymity become more of a problem than a positive thing?

no it hasn't.

and... you suck.

;-)

no, seriously, avoid signing in anywhere with facebook, twitter, google, yahoo or openID.

if you need to use these services, create a "role" - not necessarily a fake identity, but a set of personal data including a specific email address you will use only in connection with this "role" (or legend).

use disposable email adresses and strictly segregate their use to the "role" the address was created for.

avoid cloud computing, and avoid gmail and other online email storage services (use POP3 or setup your own server)

avoid flickr and picasa and similar services

don't use gmail to store your contacts and messages, avoid using these functions of android phones

gmail wants my phone number to activate, how frightening is that?

I still don't have a gmail account.

my profession?

webmaster...

I have several email accounts - nothing nefarious, simply organises my many subscriptions to sites of my eclectic interests.

However, not one of them has my correct name/address, let alone bloody telephone number! And you, as a 'webmaster' LOL! Should be aware that you can just pull some random number out of your head and pass Go without having to enter 'We now have even more info on you land'.

Actually, they locate my IP address in Switzerland and want a Swiss mobile number to send me an SMS with a code necessary for activation...

I could have tried proxies, but at this point I abandoned registration, because I don't really need another email account (I have my own servers) - just wanted to see how Gmail is made and have get the user experience.

But now I don't bother, as I have login info from a friend for my tests.

Edited March 16, 2011 by manarak

[jdinasia]

People that are in favor of removing anonymity from forums should consider that if we had same attitude for voting and we removed anonymity from ballots, democracy would be greatly compromised. Eventually the control freaks will destroy the internet, but we shouldn't help them.

Huh? I am fairly sure that when I vote, my credentials/eligibility to vote is checked and verified. I have no problem with people wanting some basic verification of who I am before accessing THEIR service. I have no problem with people choosing not to do so either. (use the service that is)

The world is getting smaller and people are having to be a bit more responsible for their words and actions. Unless you are a super-hacker, not much that you do on the internet can't be tracked back to you anyways

Of course you knew I meant the anonymity of who you voted for. A vote is an anonymous comment, just like comments on the web. Anonymity is freedom.

And in the instance of this OP ... logging in via your yahoo account makes it less anonymous how? Anonymity isn't freedom, it is an illusion. Everything sent via the internet is trackable (take a look at them nabbing the leader of an internet kiddie porn ring) on some level. It always has been, from IP addresses on, there are ways to track things. Freedom is accepting personal responsibility for your words and actions .. not hiding.

[canuckamuck]

People that are in favor of removing anonymity from forums should consider that if we had same attitude for voting and we removed anonymity from ballots, democracy would be greatly compromised. Eventually the control freaks will destroy the internet, but we shouldn't help them.

Huh? I am fairly sure that when I vote, my credentials/eligibility to vote is checked and verified. I have no problem with people wanting some basic verification of who I am before accessing THEIR service. I have no problem with people choosing not to do so either. (use the service that is)

The world is getting smaller and people are having to be a bit more responsible for their words and actions. Unless you are a super-hacker, not much that you do on the internet can't be tracked back to you anyways

Of course you knew I meant the anonymity of who you voted for. A vote is an anonymous comment, just like comments on the web. Anonymity is freedom.

And in the instance of this OP ... logging in via your yahoo account makes it less anonymous how? Anonymity isn't freedom, it is an illusion. Everything sent via the internet is trackable (take a look at them nabbing the leader of an internet kiddie porn ring) on some level. It always has been, from IP addresses on, there are ways to track things. Freedom is accepting personal responsibility for your words and actions .. not hiding.

I think freedom is being able to have an opinion and not be afraid that some nutjob or an evil government will take action against me.

[jdinasia]

You don't have that now ... and again .. using a yahoo account etc to log in hurts you in what way?

[manarak]

And in the instance of this OP ... logging in via your yahoo account makes it less anonymous how? Anonymity isn't freedom, it is an illusion. Everything sent via the internet is trackable (take a look at them nabbing the leader of an internet kiddie porn ring) on some level. It always has been, from IP addresses on, there are ways to track things. Freedom is accepting personal responsibility for your words and actions .. not hiding.

yahoo account login: it widens the universe of information that can be linked to you. and this is a bad thing in all possible scenarios.

Everything sent via the internet is trackable

up to a certain point only. going beyond that point requires legal action and a warrant issued by a court because of a criminal offense. here we are talking about people giving up crucial information voluntarily.

Freedom is accepting personal responsibility for your words and actions .. not hiding.

Very wrong.

Freedom of speech comes with a lot of risks that only anonymity can protect you from.

People have been turned down from jobs because of pictures they posted on Facebook.

If you own a business and voice your political views (or even your sexual preferences), you can lose customers.

Go to Iran or north Pakistan and begin voicing support for gay rights and we'll see how long you will last.

If you choose to say only things of which you think they will be accepted by your peers - this is the ultimate form of thought control, and you become (are) a mindless puppet.

Edited March 16, 2011 by manarak

[HeavyDrinker]

There will always be work arounds... the Anonymous hacker set won't take this....

[canuckamuck]

You don't have that now ... and again .. using a yahoo account etc to log in hurts you in what way?

What I have got I will surely lose eventually. But still, whatever security we do have for our private info, should be protected.

For the rest of it, I know nothing of signing in with Yahoo or other, it seems to be a dumb idea.