Robust Digital Footprint or...

The path of complete anonymity or the path of maximum association. Managing your online identity is a critical, complex and many times an exhausting task.

Trying to remain anonymous is even more demanding.

Did we already lose this uphill battle?

Plan A: Complete Anonymity (or as close as you can get)

This approach involves minimising your digital footprint to the absolute bare minimum.

Wait, is it still possible?

The short answer is NO.

In my previous post "Control: the choice is yours?" I'm debating that from the moment you were born, there is - a sometimes invisible - data collection activity triggered, which is often outside of your control.

Data is inevitably collected and associated with you.

What you CAN do is once you reach the age where online activities cannot be avoided any longer you pay careful attention on who you set up your profiles.

Peer pressure

One factor for kids that cannot be ignored is peer pressure. Even if your child does not want to start an online life he/she is quite possibly forced to do so:

"Hey.....hi.... Can I get your Insta'?"

And boom, you are there with an online profile.

Sure, you are not forced to use your real name. But, really?

How feasible is plan A?

It's not as simple as just to stay off social media.

Every time you are using a web browser, some data is collected on your behaviour. Sure, it may not have your name associated with it - initially - but for how long?

This is "passive data collection" that you can partially prevent from happening, but it takes a lot of effort and careful attention.

Later on in life you can set up some proactive measures:

• use encrypted messaging and email services
• avoid using your real name, birth date, or any information that can identify you.

Turning all this into a complete, ironclad anonymity is almost impossible for the average person.

Plan B: Establish a robust digital presence

This requires at least as much effort, energy and thoughts beforehand than plan A, though the vector here is different:

Deliberately creating and maintaining crucial online profiles and an online presence across multiple platforms.

Yes, this includes using your real name!

The advantages here are numerous:

• you are essentially building your personal brand
• you help people establish trust towards you
• you make yourself "discoverable"
• you are actively controlling the narrative about you

Disadvantages? Hell, yes, there are plenty:

• greater exposure to identity theft
• doxxing
• your "persona" can be used in phishing attacks
• you build permanent "records" about yourself

The "New York Times" test

Here is the kicker:

Would you be comfortable seeing xyz detail about yourself on the front page of a newspaper with your name on it?

Think about it the next time you post something online! 😄