Hypothetical - Identity Leak?

The fact that I am one of the few people in this universe, that does not, have never had, and never will have a "Facebook" account proves my concern and respect for privacy!
Maybe I'm weird...

When I was a newbie here, I stumbled on several real world Facebook accounts just by searching Facebook for the providers hobby phone number. I wanted to ask the providers if they were aware that was possible but since I was a newbie trying to earn a reputation I decided to keep my mouth shut.

Facebook claims it only wants your phone number so it can help you reset your password if you forget it, but they don't make it clear that it's​ also used in search results.

I'm about to pm a few providers right now that are affected by this. If they get mad at me I'm going to blame it on spanky. (Just kidding).

One thing that this thread... as well as the thread from a few weeks ago about DNA testing.. bring to mind is that in this day and age of Google and social media and all the other tech organization trying to 'tie' us together, the chances that what we used to think was 'private' probably isn't. I'm not sure if there is a good solution to the problem other than being cautious. IMO we need to let other's know that they might be outed.

One thing that this thread... as well as the thread from a few weeks ago about DNA testing.. bring to mind is that in this day and age of Google and social media and all the other tech organization trying to 'tie' us together, the chances that what we used to think was 'private' probably isn't. I'm not sure if there is a good solution to the problem other than being cautious. IMO we need to let other's know that they might be outed. Originally Posted by nevercanhavetoomuch

Indeed, and even if the companies have no nefarious intent beyond just wanting to serve up personalized ads to us, they can't control all the unintended consequences of having the linkages on hand, such as being hacked (like Ashley Madison) and exposing sensitive info to the world, or making links between people that would in no way want to have their real world identities linked to each other. There was just a story the other day about Facebook accidentally exposing the profiles of content moderators that work on finding and removing terrorist-related material to suspected terrorists...

http://fortune.com/2017/06/16/facebo...ak-terrorists/

Interesting that it's another G+ incident. I'd think Facebook would be really bad about this as well, based on whatever dark magic they use to link people together. Originally Posted by SpankyJ

Facebook is very bad about this.

I'm not going to name names and/or statuses (active, UTR, or retired) of the providers involved, but Facebook has revealed to me the real life names and other personal information of at least three providers who are/were active on ECCIE.

Really, it's stupid to tie Facebook into any of your hobby activity. There's only one thing you need to remember about Facebook:

YOU ARE NOT FACEBOOK'S CUSTOMER. YOU ARE FACEBOOK'S PRODUCT.

Cheers,

bcg

One thing that this thread... as well as the thread from a few weeks ago about DNA testing.. bring to mind is that in this day and age of Google and social media and all the other tech organization trying to 'tie' us together, the chances that what we used to think was 'private' probably isn't. I'm not sure if there is a good solution to the problem other than being cautious. IMO we need to let other's know that they might be outed. Originally Posted by nevercanhavetoomuch

Sadly, there is no such thing as privacy anymore.

Google has had a nasty habit lately of serving up notifications on my cell phone referencing where I am/have been, and suggesting I add photos, reviews, or other information about the places. The last time I made an appointment with a provider Google suggested that the hotel she was using for an incall was a popular subject for photos and that I ought to add one to their collection. SO obviously they're keeping track of where I am, even if they don't know exactly what I'm doing...

Cheers,

bcg

...even if they don't know exactly what I'm doing...
bcg Originally Posted by bluffcityguy

In all actuality, they just might know what you are doing.. If you or the provider uses gmail, google voice, chrome browser, an android phone, etc... They may know exactly whats going on..

She took the info really well, better than I thought she would have... After I told her, she joked "I guess you don't have to call me (her provider name) anymore, Just call me my real name". Originally Posted by Droidd

I have had a couple of providers tell me I could use their RL name before too. I normally just go ahead and use their provider name. I figure they think of our visit as work, and their hobby name goes with their work. Their RL name goes with their time off and personal life. I thought maybe I was being more considerate to put an emphasis on keeping their identities separate. Probably some of them just really don't care either way.

I have located a provider's Facebook page many times. More than once we've had a few friends in common. I always wonder how they might know them and ponder on how small of a world we really do live in. The algorithms of Facebook are just another way to prove that we are all just a few degrees of separation away from each other.

Y'all are all weird. Why would you be trying to find out providers RL info? If they give you a number to text them, they show up and you spend time with them that really should be where it ends. IF they want to give you personal info to become their FB or instagram, or Twitter buddy then ok, but to actively search and seek out private info is creepy. Just stop already.

Y'all are all weird. Why would you be trying to find out providers RL info? If they give you a number to text them, they show up and you spend time with them that really should be where it ends. IF they want to give you personal info to become their FB or instagram, or Twitter buddy then ok, but to actively search and seek out private info is creepy. Just stop already. Originally Posted by BK

You're missing the point of the entire discussion. It's not about some sneaky detective sleuthing and searching for RL info. It's that sometimes providers are not careful with eliminating links between their provider persona and their RL identity. When searching for information about a provider's history, the RL info sometimes comes up unexpectedly. I don't give a shit about their private life. I do however want to research their history as a provider to know what I'm getting into. It's the only way to avoid bait and switch, potential robbery, fake photos, and other shitty provider problems.

You're missing the point of the entire discussion. Originally Posted by willro

I suppose I am. If a provider has numerous yes recommendations off this or TER. I see no point in further investigation into her background and yes it's investigated if a number pulls up Facebook or photos of RL like some in this thread have mentioned you don't just accidentally find RL information, you have to be looking for it to find it. But whatever makes you guys feel safer or whatever it is you get out of it bravo for you.

While we're on the topic of RL identities accidentally being leaked, I would like to take the time to remind everyone (particularly the ladies) that you should never post the same pictures you have here on your personal social media accounts. All it takes is a Google image search...

While we're on the topic of RL identities accidentally being leaked, I would like to take the time to remind everyone (particularly the ladies) that you should never post the same pictures you have here on your personal social media accounts. All it takes is a Google image search... Originally Posted by Vannah

An excellent point. Another precaution everyone might want to consider taking is turning geotagging of photos off on your phone if you don't want your pictures to reveal where they were taken.

On iPhone:

Settings->Privacy->Location Services->Photos-> Select "Never" for the "allow location access" setting.

Not sure about Android but there must be something similar.

If you want to remove geotags from photos on an iPhone, I use an app called Koredoko that works well. It can even remove / alter date and time stamps if you like.

I was recently reminded that it's not always snooping that reveals things. Facebook recommended a provider I have seen a couple of times in "people you may know" because we have several friends in common. I did not recognize her name but I did her face. Of course I'd never do anything with this information or reveal it to anyone. And she likely now has access to my identity as well, for the same reason. No big deal, I know she is very discreet.

Makes me think though - maybe for us that participate in this world, it's best to not
have pictures of ourselves in our social media profile pics, just in case of inadvertent connections like this.

The fact that I am one of the few people in this universe, that does not, have never had, and never will have a "Facebook" account proves my concern and respect for privacy!
Maybe I'm weird... Originally Posted by NTJME

or maybe just wise