pseudonymity
Alias-based identity protection
Pseudonymity is the state of operating under a false name while concealing one's true identity.
Unlike anonymity, where identity is entirely unknown, pseudonymity creates a consistent alternate identity: The author maintained pseudonymity throughout her career.
The term appears frequently in discussions of online identity, where users build reputations under chosen handles without revealing their legal names.
With identity concealed
- unidentifiedNot yet recognized
- namelessWithout any designation
- facelessLacking identity or features
- untraceableImpossible to follow back
unknown · undisclosed · unattributed · deniability · unacknowledged · deidentified · shadowy · obscured
Author's false identity
- nom-de-plumeAssumed authorial identity
- handlePart for gripping
- stage-namePerformer's professional alias
- usernameAccount identification string
moniker · alter-ego · persona · codename · sobriquet · byname · avatar · throwaway
Quality of protecting secrets
- anonymizationRemoving identifying information
- de-identificationObscuring personal markers in records
- GDPREU data protection law
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
tracking · profiling · consent · opt-out · whistleblower
Account identification string
Uncredited hired author
- pen-nameAuthor's false identity
- nom-de-plumeAssumed authorial identity
- authorshipOrigin of written work
- bylineArticle author identification
novelist · memoir · publishing · manuscript · satirist · pamphleteer · samizdat
Converting data into code
- VPNEncrypted network connection
- TorAnonymous routing network
- proxyAuthorized substitute
- anonymizerService obscuring user identity
cryptography · end-to-end · metadata · fingerprinting · zero-knowledge · authentication · two-factor · credential
incognito
With identity concealed
- unidentifiedNot yet recognized
- namelessWithout any designation
- facelessLacking identity or features
untraceable · unknown · undisclosed · unattributed · deniability · unacknowledged · deidentified · shadowy · obscured · veiled
pen-name
Author's false identity
- nom-de-plumeAssumed authorial identity
- handlePart for gripping
- stage-namePerformer's professional alias
username · moniker · alter-ego · persona · codename · sobriquet · byname · avatar · throwaway · anon
confidentiality
Quality of protecting secrets
- anonymizationRemoving identifying information
- de-identificationObscuring personal markers in records
- GDPREU data protection law
surveillance · tracking · profiling · consent · opt-out · whistleblower
username
Account identification string
ghostwriter
Uncredited hired author
- pen-nameAuthor's false identity
- nom-de-plumeAssumed authorial identity
- authorshipOrigin of written work
byline · novelist · memoir · publishing · manuscript · satirist · pamphleteer · samizdat
encryption
Converting data into code
anonymizer · cryptography · end-to-end · metadata · fingerprinting · zero-knowledge · authentication · two-factor · credential
- identityidentity, personal identity, self, selfhood, self-expression
- Cypherpunkcypherpunks, cryptography, privacy, encryption, digital privacy
- security propertiesauthenticity, authorization, availability, confidentiality, integrity
pseudonymityfull transparency
self-identification · transparency · real name · legal name · openness
pseudonymityaccountability
Obligation for one's actions
traceability · verifiability · authentication · public accountability