I have a strange relationship with anonymity. On the one hand, I’d like to be anonymous every now and then. Actually, not so much for me-I want people to have the option of anonymity. Especially online. But then again, some of the worst things online are only possible because of a certain kind of anonymity. Oppressed people need it to express their opinions, but some of the worst people on earth use it to say horrible things without facing the consequences.
The protection of anonymity
Anonymity gives you a layer of protection. It means you can say and do things, and express opinions, without them being easily traced back to you. And it doesn’t follow you forever. It means you can leave things behind.
Countless people use a pseudonymous identity to protect themselves-from the repercussions of politically oppressive regimes, or from communities that might disapprove of their choices.
I understand all that. Anonymity protects your sanity and your safety, and it lets you speak more freely. There’s a reason the names of witnesses or victims aren’t always part of the public record. There’s a reason some people in cybersecurity prefer to remain anonymous.
And there’s a reason people cover their faces in a world of cameras everywhere. There’s a good reason to cover your face when protesting a dangerous political regime.
Anonymity means protection.
But of course, that protection doesn’t only apply to people with good intentions. Anonymity also protects law enforcement agencies breaking all kinds of laws. It also protects some of the worst people online: people spreading hate speech, people doxxing peaceful protesters, and people harassing others to the point of suicide.
So I’m not a massive fan of anonymity, but I very much see the necessity of it.
Speaking up
I’m generally of the opinion that people should stand behind what they say and stand for what they believe. I’d like to think I’m usually a reflective person, and I think about what I say. I also have a bit of privilege, so I feel it’s my job to stand up for others and stand by what I say.
I’m happy to do all that. I’m happy to voice my opinion. And I’m happy to stand behind it, as long as I’m in a democratic country that protects my rights accordingly. I’m willing to take some risks, but they need to be proportionate. I’m fine with being detained at a protest in Switzerland. Even though it sucks and feels deeply violating to be detained at a peaceful protest, that’s a risk I’m willing to take-a risk I’m willing to take for the right thing.
But am I happy to do that in more repressive countries? Saudi Arabia? Probably not. China? No. Russia? Hell no-not going there currently.
So what about the US?
Well, to be honest, right now I would still feel safe going to the US. But speaking up against the current regime there? Most likely less so.
So what now
I think this is one of the big things that has changed. One of the largest democracies appears to be willing to cancel due process for some people. That’s something we should all be terrified of.
I might still be willing to go to the US. I’m not willing to be detained at the border-something this blog might make more likely.
So here we are. I have, to the best of my abilities, cut all links to my real-life identity. Will it prevent a state actor from finding the links between my blog and my identity? No. But it will make it a bit harder for everyone else to make the connection.
So here we go: a new pseudonymous identity. New nom de plume. Nice to meet you; my name is Oli.