All sysops in Fidonet (and elsewhere) have an obligation
to keep the real names of participants private.

"So you reviewed my application and made a conscious decision to
reject it on the basis that false details were provided. What were
you thinking ? that someone would hand over their real name, date
of birth, address and contact phone numbers - are you serious ?
You should ask for their social security number too."
~MM (real name?) questioning sysop who rejected her access
to his board due to incorrect information she provided to him
as to who she is.

There are good, solid reasons why a sysop would need to know
who is, or wants to use his board. However, none of those reasons
are applicable in regards to using one's real name in fidonet
echoes.

Use of a handle/alias is a protection that all participants have,
or should have. Informing a sysop of one's own real name is an
obligation, as sysops are responsible for all content on his/her
board. Which is why sysops should indemnify their own board, as
failure to do so can cause lots of legal problems.

--Lee

--
You're fired, Donald!

--- MesNews/1.08.05.00-gb
* Origin: news://eljaco.se (2:203/2)