Internet Privacy: Many people use social media on the Internet by hiding their identity. But a new study has warned that with the help of artificial intelligence, it may be easier than before to reach the real identity of such anonymous users. According to the report, modern AI systems can try to find out who the real person is behind an anonymous account by combining small information present on different platforms.
What did the research reveal?
In this study, AI researchers Simon Lerman and Daniel Paleka tried to test whether large language models (LLMs) could connect an anonymous online profile to a real identity. In an experiment, he gave information related to some anonymous social media accounts to the AI ​​​​system and instructed it to find information related to other sources available on the Internet.
During the experiment, a hypothetical example was taken in which an anonymous user mentioned his troubles at school in his post and also mentioned that he takes his dog Biscuit for a walk in Dolores Park.
Based on these signals, AI searched for posts and information available on other platforms and ultimately succeeded in linking that anonymous profile to a real person to a great extent.
Why is concern increasing?
Researchers say that earlier to reveal such identity, technical expertise and more resources were required. But now with the help of internet connection and public AI tools, such efforts have become much easier and cheaper. Because of this, the question is being raised as to what information can actually be considered private on the Internet and which is not.
AI is not always accurate
However, the report also states that AI is not a magical solution. Many times the information available is so limited that the system is unable to reach any conclusion. In some cases, the number of possible people is so large that it becomes difficult to determine the correct identity. Yet in many circumstances this technology can undermine a person’s anonymity.
What are the potential dangers?
According to experts, this technology can be misused in many ways. For example, governments can use AI to monitor anonymous activists or protesters. Apart from this, cyber criminals can also take advantage of this and create very personal and credible looking scams. The researchers specifically mentioned attacks like spear-phishing, in which hackers impersonate a trusted person to trick victims into clicking on dangerous links.
How to protect platforms and users?
To reduce this threat, experts believe that social media companies should first control data access on their platforms. For example, steps can be taken to limit the download of user data, identify automated scraping bots, and prevent the export of large amounts of data.
At the same time, common users will also have to be careful. When posting on the Internet, one should avoid sharing personal information, location or details that could reveal one’s true identity by linking information from different platforms.
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