Real-Name Policies: The War Against Pseudonymity

Real-name policies have existed for over a decade, but these problems have become exponentially harmful in today's world. It's time to fight back against this unsafe and discriminatory privacy-invasive practice.

The Right to Anonymity is Vital to Free Expression: Now and Always

“There are myriad reasons why individuals may wish to use a name other than the one they were born with. They may be concerned about threats to their lives or livelihoods, or they may risk political

W Social (@wsocial.eu)

This is not a leak. It is public information all our users have given consent when they verified

Digital ID: ORG warns of mission creep | Open Rights Group

On Monday December 8, MPs will debate the introduction of a national digital ID card.

The Dangers of Florida’s New “Terrorist” Designations

Anyone who cares about the First Amendment should be concerned about HB 1471 and the spread of state-level terrorism designation laws.

The UK’s War on Anonymity Has Come to America — Effort

The NGOs Behind Britain's Digital ID Laws are Targeting American Statehouses

Jan Lindblad (@jan.wsocial.eu)

Hi Matthew, Thanks for the heads up! I am indeed ok with sharing this information publicly -- it was my informed choice. To foster trust and safety online, I think it fair to know and share current nationality and rough age (+/- 18 months). Sharing legal name is only for those who wish to do so.

Privacy.com uses identity verification service Persona, which will keep biometric information for "up to" 3 years

I think it’s time to stop recommending it

Identity Verification Attacks in 2025

See the most egregious cases of identity verification incidents in 2025, with expert commentary and tools to stay ahead of and prevent similar threats.

No2DigitalID — Big Brother Watch

A national digital ID system is not inevitable. We can stop Britain sleepwalking into becoming a database state. Support our campaign to create a legal right to use non-digital ID!

‘Age Verification’ could force trans people to out themselves to use the internet

Automated online ID checking systems add new potential dangers to having a mismatching ID.

IACIS 2026 - OpenConf Abstract Submission, Peer Review, and Event Management System

As lawmakers across the United States move to require age verification for access to adult content online, new questions are emerging about the unintended risks these laws create. While intended to protect minors, many of these policies rely on systems that collect and store overly sensitive personal information such as government-issued IDs or biometric data without adequate safeguards. This introduces serious cybersecurity vulnerabilities, privacy concerns, and potential legal liability for platforms and users alike. Some major platforms have already withdrawn from certain states rather than comply, raising questions about the real-world feasibility of these laws. This study examines the intersection of digital privacy, cybersecurity, and legal compliance in the context of mandatory age verification. It analyzes the risks posed by identity-based and biometric systems, the role of third-party vendors, and the inconsistencies in how states define and enforce these requirements. The paper evaluates several age verification models and concludes that attribute-based verification systems that confirm age eligibility without revealing full identities offers the most secure and privacy-conscious path forward. The findings underscore a critical need for better-designed legislation that balances child protection with digital rights and security. This research provides targeted recommendations for policymakers, platform operators, and cybersecurity professionals, urging a shift toward transparent, accountable, and technically sound solutions before flawed systems become entrenched.