Last updated on July 7th, 2024 at 10:49 am
It's almost impossible to stay anonymous online, but here are some tips to make it harder for those trying to identify you.
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Do you use a pseudonym to post articles online? Or do you like to keep anonymous while posting blogs? Maybe you’re looking for the best anonymous blog platform? Want to know how anonymous blogging can help you out? Or what can be the limitations you must know before making an anonymous blog? No doubt, online anonymity gives a couple of benefits to the writers but does come with some limitations. One needs to understand deeply about posting anonymous blogs before getting into it.
The main purpose of using an anonymous identity is hiding real names and other confidential details from web users all over the globe. Maybe you want to start a blog, but you don’t want folks in different countries (or hackers) to find who our real name and other personal information.
Running an anonymous blogging business is incredibly difficult. And if you don’t know how to properly remain hidden online, then there’s very little value in doing it at all. You need to consider the email accounts you use, your IP address, and many more things that could be used to identify you before beginning anonymous blogging.
In general terms, online anonymity is about hiding the user’s real identity over the web. While no method is foolproof, if you’re a pro and do all things properly, then there’s less possibility of any reader finding out your identity. If you’re planning to go anonymous for publishing controversial material, you need to make sure that you follow all the guidance available. And if you don’t, the consequences could be severe.
Rely on Anonymous Blogging Platforms
There are plenty of places out there where you can write without providing a real name. In most cases, blogging platforms only require an email address. But there are other platforms designed specifically to keep your identity hidden. The Doe is one such platform that publishes newsworthy stories from anonymous sources. You still, however, must place an element of trust in the platform that they won’t disclose your identity.
You can also build your own blogging website using a platform such as WordPress using a pseudonymous author (someone who doesn’t really exist). This might be a little more difficult to keep your identity hidden from researchers considering they may be able to find out who your website domain is hosted with and follow the breadcrumb trail to your doorstep. You’ll want to make sure you take advantage of your domain registrar’s domain privacy packages.
You’ll also want to cloak your host by using an intermediary CDN proxy such as Cloudflare. When someone checks to see who hosts your site, they get Cloudflare instead of your actual host.
Following these steps will help hide your identity from the casual reader or journalist.
Register with an Anonymous Email Address
This is one of the common mistakes which make anonymous bloggers getting caught by the readers. When planning to work over anonymous blogs, you need to consider everything carefully – including your email address. If you register for a service with an email address known to be yours, then identity disclosure is almost a guarantee. Register for blog platforms using an anonymous email address. The address shouldn’t give any hints of your name or associations.
For this purpose, you can use a temporary email service like Temp Mail.
Check Whether Your IP Address is Visible or Not
Even if you do everything right to post an anonymous blog, your IP address can still reveal your name and location to the readers. For instance, you posted a blog against any political party for their illegal activities and now their supporters want to do you. If your identity is revealed, it can lead to disaster.
Using a zero-knowledge VPN service can help mitigate the ability for folks to find out which IP address you posted from. You should always be using one of the best VPNs when posting anonymously or even leaving comments on blogs as these typically record the IP address from which you made the comment.
Make Sure you do Everything Legally
While hiding your identity as a blogger isn’t inherently dangerous, for many writers who write about controversial topics, keeping your personal information hidden is a matter of personal safety and security. It’s not just about avoiding negative comments, it’s about being able to say what you want to say without fear of retribution.
For instance, if you’re writing an article about police brutality, it might be worth it to stay hidden so that your local police don’t target you for “enhanced enforcement” (ie. harassment). Or if you live in a country with an oppressive government you may want to speak out without fear of becoming a political victim.
In either case, making sure your own background is clean is paramount. If someone does happen to find out who you are, you can be assured they’ll disclose any of your illegal activity if you have any on your record. So not having any illegal activity or suspicious associations will benefit you.
Be Alert in Using an of your Personal Information
If you give any clue about who you are, then it becomes easy for readers to catch you. When posting blogs anonymously, you should keep in mind that no pictures or other information about you should be revealed in the article or website. Check and double-check everything you write and post.
Mike is a freelance tech writer who follows the latest trends in digital marketing, SEO, & web design.
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