Photos - part 2: Pictures and anonymity

Social media, online forums, and internet gaming are a few examples of interactive online platforms where we (as users) can be ourselves or act under a pseudonym.

A pseudonym is often used where we do not want our online activities traced back to our real identity.  Many use a pseudonym when interacting on a forum or website where we would be uncomfortable or embarrassed using our real name, or for own personal safety it is recommended not to use our real name.  Simple said than done.

Unfortunately, for some people they leave some information that makes it easier for a stranger to trace back the anonymise nickname to its originator.  One of the easiest ways this is done is with pictures the pseudonym owner uses on their account.

In my line of work I have come across clients who use sites like killingkittens.com or seekingarrangement.com or other dating sites like shaadi.com or match.com and enter a unique pseudonym as a username.  Great start.  However, when the user upload images, users are sharing images they have used elsewhere online, for example on their personal social media account (for example, Instagram) or a recreational site (for example, a book club they are a member of).  Many other users of these sites will want to verify who exactly they are virtually chatting with; so reverse image search the photos uploaded and- hey presto!  The stranger has found the real identity of the associated with the pseudonym.

If you are using a pseudonym online and using images to accompany this profile and do not want this to be traced back to your real world existence here are recommendations on protecting yourself:

Use different images

One of the reasons people identities can be traced back is because the user is using images they have posted elsewhere.  Due to this, it is advisable to use a picture that you know has not been posted elsewhere on your other online profiles.  If someone does reverse image this particular picture on your pseudonym profile it will not bring back sites linked to you.

Edit/flip the image

If you have a particularly nice image that you have shared under your real name and are keen to use it under your pseudonym then flip the image horizontally or edit the colour filters.  As above, if a reverse image search is done the picture will not bring back sites linked to you.

What can you do if someone is using your pictures without your consent?

If someone is pretending to be someone else with your pictures or you discover your photos have been stolen you should contact the company in writing and issue a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notice.  A DMCA takedown notice is a notification to a company, usually a website or a search engine, that they are either hosting or linking to copyright-infringing material.  DMCA provides them notice to remove the copyrighted works (give them the necessary evidence that the images are yours).

Watermarking images

An easy way to protect your images and deter others from stealing and reusing them is watermarking them.  Simply add/write your name, Twitter handle, Instagram username subtly over part of your picture.

Remember, the internet is public by default so it is important to protect yourself to mitigate any reputational damage or emotional stress on yourself.