Login Name / User ID - Privacy

[Jean]

I have received an e-mail today from a user who was very angry to see her name pop up in the search engines.

I would first like to say that all of the information collected during signups is kept private and that nobody is able to see it. The only piece of information that other members or anyone visiting the Academy can see is your Login Name (User ID).

We collect information during signups to avoid the Academy from getting spammed. There are numerous automatic scripts and robots today that register forums and blogs automatically just to spam them with links or sales pitches.

This user had entered her real name as her Login Name (User ID). I’d like to remind everyone here that your Login Name (User ID) can and will be seen by everyone. So if you have mistakenly entered your real name into your Login Name (User ID), please contact me to have it changed.

Thank you,
Dog Trick Academy

Please remove my name, contact information, membership information from all of your lists, databases and off of your website.
I googled my name and see that I am member of your academy for the entire world to see. This is a total violation of my privacy, a total violation of what you promise to keep private on your website.
I am sorely disappointed. I expect an immediate reaction to this email. If I google my name again, and continue to find a relation to your website, I will immediately report you to as many internet watch organizations as possible.

[l_l_a]

That is unfortunate, and sounds like it was a misunderstanding. That user is obviously very concerned about internet privacy, so then why did he/she use their real name as a userID??

Here is a link that gives an overview of internet privacy. It might be helpful for those of us who are members of at least one online community (such as this website!) to review the privacy issues related to participating in e-mail discussion groups, list-servs, forums, blogs, and so on.....

http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs18-cyb.htm

[Jean]

That user is obviously very concerned about internet privacy, so then why did he/she use their real name as a userID??

I sometimes get emails from members who are afraid of getting their information sold to third parties or getting tons of spam. I always tell them that they can go to Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail to get a free email account there, and register with a fake name with their new email address.

As mentioned in our Privacy Policy, everybody has the ability to decide how much, if any, personal information they wish to provide.

If I were that user, I would be much more concerned about search engines collecting data. They record everything you ever searched for and attach it to your IP number. If you’ve been using the Google Toolbar, then they know every single website you’ve ever been on, what time and for how long.

Reference: Google tracking your every move.

[CollieMan]

Hang on a second...

Someone signs up with their REAL name, and that's YOUR fault? <Scratches head>

[bipa]

Sounds like a typical newbie to me. Kinda like the mistakes I used to make when I first went online....oh....about 25 years ago. I've learned a little since then <grin>

I honestly wouldn't worry about it, Jean.