Blurring/Blocking Licence Plates in Photos
 

So I've been a member of various car forums over the years (VW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Acura, Subaru) and I always noticed that some people blur out or block their license plates when posting images of their cars. On some forums this tactic is more prevalent than others, but no forum so much so than this one.

Any reason why people hide their plate numbers?

Last I checked, people can't look up your plate number to find out where you live. And I doubt that when the cops pull you over they would take the time to look at car forums to find all of your posts where you brag about the performance mods you've installed.

So what's the deal?

:bonk:

Maybe they don't want anyone stealing their personal LP ideas :p

I find it odd people try and hide a big shiny sign bolted to their car they drive around in public with. Identity? Most people divulge all their location information in threads anyway. Someone even posted his route to and from work here in google maps in the regional section.

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That's like asking why we don't use our first and last name as our usernames.

You mean to tell me your name really isn't "Mok"????:brokenheart:

No it's not. First and last name is searchable; license plate numbers are not.

In my case paranoia. I'm typing this with my tin foil hat on.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma...blro1_1280.jpg

Blurring/Blocking Licence Plates in Photos
 

I've known a couple of people who have had forum posts used against them in court cases. For one of them it was part of the reason he ended up in jail (he deserved it), for the other it was used as character assassination in court trying to blame the guy for something that wasn't his fault at all.

As well as that I've also owned care which were successfully targeted for theft where the thieves used posts I'd made on forums/mailing lists (it was a fair while ago) to build a picture of when I was home, exactly what parts were on the car etc.

For both these reasons, and knowing that it is most likely complete overkill, I take the extra 10 seconds to blur my licence plate on posts in forums where the car is being specifically linked to me. Group shots etc, I don't care.

This.

I've met people who have stolen parts of other peoples cars thanks to forums. It's extremely easy with all these "builds", you make lists. You can find DIY online on how to take our that particular part, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the stuff on the classifieds is stolen.

Shit happens.

There's your answer Mr. ZC6 R in Phoenix, AZ.

You, and the thousands of other motorists I've driven by and parked next to, know that I live in metro Phoenix, drive a BRZ and have the license plate "ZC6 R."

A lot of times people hide all traces of their real identity because they know that their online behavior would effectively make them unemployable, or they don't want to risk the tiny chance of someone actually tracking you down and stealing from you or killing you, or some shit like that. Some people are also concerned about fraud and identity theft, but you need a lot more information than just someone's name in order to successfully pull it off.

But I've always made a rule for myself that anything I say on the Internet, I would say to people face to face, including colleagues and bosses. As far as theft or someone getting mad enough at me on the Internet that they'd want to kill me, well that's just not in my zone of concern.

With that said, my real name is Timothy Zhu.

Here's my website:
http://mindoftim.com/

Here's my LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyzhu

I keep my online identity the same as real life. No "catfish" going on with me.

That's always a good mindset. I know I say stupid things online, but I say stupid things in person too so I try not to be out of character for myself. Anonymity has turned a whole lot of people into assholes on the internet.

That said, I normally keep myself at least somewhat anonymous. I generally use the same handle for almost everything, so it's fairly easy to find my online identity, but I don't normally link to my facebook page or anything like that.