How does privacy differ from anonymity, and why are both important
With all the new online products and services coming out, you see a lot of buzzwords used to describe them—private, anonymous, secure, open-source, safe, and encrypted. News flash words have meanings, and the terms used to describe something can give you a big hint as to what that thing does well.
Privacy and anonymity, or "private" and "anonymous", are two words that are frequently used interchangeably to mean no one is watching you or knows what you are up to. But in reality, these two terms mean something entirely different from one another. Just because a web service is private does not make it anonymous, and vice versa.
What is privacy?
Privacy refers to your ability to control who has access to your personal information. When something is private, it means that it is protected from unwanted observation or intrusion. Online privacy ensures that sensitive data like your name, email, location, or browsing history is kept secure from unauthorised access.
For instance, when you sign up for a web service, the company may promise to keep your information private. This means they won’t share your data with third parties without your permission, and they will implement measures to protect your information from being exposed.
What is anonymity?
Anonymity, on the other hand, refers to being unidentifiable. When you are anonymous online, your identity is concealed, and no one can trace your actions back to you. For example, using a service that doesn’t require any personal information allows you to remain anonymous.
While privacy means controlling who sees your information, anonymity means hiding your identity altogether. You can be private without being anonymous, and vice versa.
Why the difference matters
The distinction between privacy and anonymity is important because each serves a different purpose. If you want to protect your personal data, you should focus on privacy. If you want to remain untraceable or unknown, then anonymity is the goal.
For instance, social media platforms may offer privacy features, like controlling who can see your posts, but they usually don’t provide anonymity because your profile is linked to your identity. In contrast, anonymous forums or browsing tools like Tor and VPN services focus on keeping your identity hidden.
Privacy and anonymity in practice
When using online services, you should prioritise privacy when dealing with personal data—such as your name, credit card information, or location. This applies to platforms like social media, email services, and mobile apps. Strong privacy practices, such as end-to-end encryption, help protect your data from being accessed by unwanted parties.
Anonymity, however, is more situational. It’s useful when you want to express opinions without being identified, participate in discussions on sensitive topics, or protect yourself from surveillance. For example, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can hide IP address, making you anonymous while browsing the web.
Achieving online privacy
To enhance your privacy, follow these tips:
- Use encryption: Ensure that services like messaging apps have end-to-end encryption so that only the intended recipient can read your messages.
- Control social media privacy settings: Adjust who can view your profile and posts to limit exposure.
- Use strong passwords: Create unique, complex passwords and use a password manager to keep them secure.
- Keep software updated: Regularly update your apps and systems to protect against security vulnerabilities.
Achieving online anonymity
To stay anonymous online, you should:
- Use a VPN: A VPN masks your IP address, making your browsing activities harder to track.
- Avoid personal accounts: Don’t use services that require personal details, and consider using anonymous browsers like Tor for added protection.
Privacy and anonymity both matter, but they serve different purposes. Privacy is about controlling who sees your data, while anonymity is about staying hidden. Whether you’re safeguarding personal information or hiding your identity, knowing the difference can help you choose the right approach to staying safe online.