Sorry to ask this question. The last thing I want to do is create unnecessary worry, and deter people from using this forum. So please know that I wouldn't be asking this if it hadn't been playing on my mind for a while. But I've just got this concern that what if a person CTB's and their last activity on their phone happens to be a reply to me on a thread on here? Or even a private message? I know that I'm not engaging in any illegal behaviour. But since I live with my parents, the last thing I want to do is have the police at my door, even if it's just to ask questions. Does anybody know about how traceable this is, and whether the police could be in touch regarding use on this forum? Just looking for some honest reassurances if possible.
SpottedPanda
I'm all about coffee and cigarettes
- Jul 24, 2019
- 612
You're anonymous on this forum. The only thing linking you to it, assuming you don't give out personal details, is your email address, and that's only visible to you and the forum hosts.
As long as you're not giving out personal information, I find it hard to comprehend how someone could trace a forum user to an individual.
As long as you're not giving out personal information, I find it hard to comprehend how someone could trace a forum user to an individual.
My concern was can police not track internet activity (such as comments on a website) down to an IP address? Sorry if I'm being naive. Just genuinely wasnt sure how it all works
SpottedPanda
I'm all about coffee and cigarettes
- Jul 24, 2019
- 612
No, everything on this website operates on the back end (the control panel) which is accessible only to the webhost and forum host. It's highly unlikely an even for such information to be shared with authorities.
Even with your IP address, you've only got a vague location to go on. Your name isn't visible.
Even with powerhouses like Twitter, the police have to request of Twitter the phone number manually associated with that account. If you're concerned, use a burner email address for this site. I keep a burner email address for such occasions, though I'm not using one here.
GoodPersonEffed
Brevity is my middle name, but my name was TL
- Jan 11, 2020
- 6,727
First off, if you're not flat-out telling someone to kill themselves or goading them to do so, then it's not a crime, because suicide is not a crime, hence you're not abetting one. I'm aware you already said it's not a crime and that you're not concerned, but it leads into the next point.
Second, since it's not a crime and you haven't committed one by goading, then I think the police would have sufficient evidence for their investigation of suicide based on the member's SS activity, as well as other activity that would indicate you weren't communicating with them off the site. So there's no reason to contact you personally unless they want to intimidate you for a pro-life agenda, and that's some Big Brother shit I haven't yet heard of.
If you're not using something like a TOR browser to hide your IP address, then, in theory, if the police wanted to investigate the death and come question or harass you, they could (edit: after getting the IP address from the site owners, no word from them as to whether they give the police information without warrants). So far, no member has ever reported the police showing up and questioning them like this. That doesn't mean it hasn't happened nor that it won't, but I think of all the ballsy members we have who would be affronted by this and want to make the forum aware, just like some have posted when their N was confiscated.
I think it's good that you asked in order to address your anxiety and alleviate it should it not be something to worry about. Lots of folks here have the same fears, and I've noticed similar questions and concerns are occasionally posted.
Second, since it's not a crime and you haven't committed one by goading, then I think the police would have sufficient evidence for their investigation of suicide based on the member's SS activity, as well as other activity that would indicate you weren't communicating with them off the site. So there's no reason to contact you personally unless they want to intimidate you for a pro-life agenda, and that's some Big Brother shit I haven't yet heard of.
If you're not using something like a TOR browser to hide your IP address, then, in theory, if the police wanted to investigate the death and come question or harass you, they could (edit: after getting the IP address from the site owners, no word from them as to whether they give the police information without warrants). So far, no member has ever reported the police showing up and questioning them like this. That doesn't mean it hasn't happened nor that it won't, but I think of all the ballsy members we have who would be affronted by this and want to make the forum aware, just like some have posted when their N was confiscated.
I think it's good that you asked in order to address your anxiety and alleviate it should it not be something to worry about. Lots of folks here have the same fears, and I've noticed similar questions and concerns are occasionally posted.
Don't exchange personal info. Not everyone has the same intentions as you. Some people are desperate and do things desperately. A general profile here isn't going to cause any trouble for you.
shipwreck
Student
- May 7, 2020
- 155
It's highly unlikely, but caution is advised. One member posted about an experience on this site where she narrowly avoided becoming a victim. The police later tracked her down by her IP, looking for evidence on the guy in connection with another crime. Search for the "Dangerous people on this forum" thread.
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