Facebook, twitter, FR Screen name security risk

Aug 14, 2013 | Jim Robinson

[Jim Robinson]

Dear FRiends,

A FReeper sent me a short list of names this morning that he says he found on an internet site that matched up freeper names to their real names. He says he managed to get the site owner to delete it and we can thank him for that. But in the message he sent me there was also an accusation that the list was provided to a third party by John Robinson. That's bullshit. John would never do such a thing.

On a hunch, I looked up the listed names on FR's facebook page and sure enough all but two were members. Then he sent me a longer list and I recognized many of those names as also being facebook members. I've seen threads run on facebook where members outed their own FR screen names. If you have a facebook or twitter account or other social media accounts in your real names, you may want to be cautious about outing your FR screen name. There are leftists out there and sometimes even anti-freepers who could easily compile and post such lists.

[Uncle Miltie]

If it was possible, a courtesy FReepmail to affected parties would be appreciated. As time and automation (if necessary) allow.

[TheBigB]

My name was on there, and I've no problem with it really.

Not sure how they matched the name "Jim Robinson" with the FR handle "Jim Robinson", however. :^)

[SoFloFreeper]

So are you saying someone found where Freepers ADMITTED their names on social media and then built a database?

[Jim Robinson]

The FReeper who sent me the list already did so. Thanks.

[MeshugeMikey]

I have no real name.... I Am the worlds first RGB American....a pixel based life form created to spread love and cheer and SOUL...across the Internet.

Thanks!

[BykrBayb]

I’m having my own security issues with Facebook and Hotmail right now. I’d appreciate a Freepmail if I’m on that list.

[null and void]

Seconded.

[cripplecreek]

I trust you guys and don’t really care if anyone knows I’m a FReeper. Hell I proudly proclaim it.

[Jim Robinson]

Apparently. But it wasn’t a database. Just a list of several dozen names.

[TheBigB]

If I recall correctly Jim, a while back on the FR Facebook page, someone started a thread asking folks to share their FR handle. And many, including myself, did so.

[null and void]

Nut-job Conspiracy Theory Ping!

To get onto The Nut-job Conspiracy Theory Ping List you must threaten to report me to the Mods if I don’t add you to the list...

[Mortrey]

If you’re NOT on FB or Twitter, are you still anonymous?

[BykrBayb]

Oh good. I hope it’s a trustworthy FReeper.

[Darksheare]

Thankfully, I don’t use Facebood or Twitt-Durr.

[Mama Shawna]

I was on it. Not hard to figure out who I really am if anyone was that interested. Don’t really care. The internet is NOT anonymous. Just wondering what the purpose of the list was. Also a member of Free Republic on FB, with my REAL name.

[null and void]

The FReeper who sent me the list already did so. Thanks.

Hmmmm? I didn't get a FReepmail.

I don't know whether to be disappointed or pleased!

[Jim Robinson]

Yup. And I suspect that was the culprit’s source in this little caper.

[DYngbld]

I’m having my own security issues with Facebook and Hotmail right now. I’d appreciate a Freepmail if I’m on that list.

You have gotten a PM if you were on the list. I don't remember seeing your name/handle.

[Jim Robinson]

Me too. Posting as Jim Thompson since 1996.