1. Think about combinations of details
A first name may be vague, but a first name plus a small town, school and unusual event can become unique. Review the full combination before posting.
2. Precise locations are rarely necessary
“A small town,” “high school,” or “large employer” is usually enough context. Exact addresses and organisation names add risk without improving most advice.
3. Images can reveal more than text
Faces, badges, licence plates, documents, reflections and a distinctive view from a window can all identify somebody. Inspect the entire background.
4. Never post authentication secrets
Passwords, one-time codes, recovery codes, API keys, payment-card details and document numbers should never appear in a note. If exposed, treat them as compromised.
5. Your anonymity does not cancel another person’s privacy
Describe behaviour and relationships, not somebody else’s identity. Moderation may reject content that creates a doxxing or harassment risk.
6. Treat public profiles as public
Optional social links are a public identity layer, not an anonymous one. Keep that distinction in mind when deciding what to add.
7. In an emergency, real-world help comes first
If somebody is in immediate danger, an anonymous post may be too slow or uncertain. Contact local emergency services, a trusted person or appropriate professional support.
Before-and-after: removing identifying details
Too specific: “On Tuesday after training at a club on Main Street, the teacher from class 2B said this in front of everyone.” Safer: “After an extracurricular activity, an adult criticised me in public and I am not sure how to respond.” The second version preserves the difficult situation while reducing the risk of identifying the writer or somebody else. If a location or institution is essential to the question, consider whether a public anonymous note is the right channel at all.
Checking an image before uploading it
Inspect the whole frame, not just the subject. Check papers on desks, screens, signs, school badges, mirrors and faces in the background. Cropping out an obvious name may not remove every identifier. When the image is not necessary to understand the problem, leaving it out is often the simplest option. Also review whether the file contains location-related metadata before sharing it elsewhere.
If sensitive information was already shared
Avoid repeating the exposed details. Report the post or request its removal through the site's moderation process. Change any password, authentication code or access credential that became public, and review sessions on the affected account. If another person's details were exposed, do not circulate screenshots of them in an attempt to get attention. Serious safety concerns may require direct support beyond an online platform.
For a clearer and more useful post, see how to write an anonymous note.