Is it legally allowed to use an alias instead of your real name?

Question

Hello there! I’m new to this whole socializing online kind of thing and I was wondering: is it safe to use your real name when creating an account? From a legal point of view, are you allowed to use an alias instead? Not to deceive anyone, just to keep yourself safe. Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

I'm an international crypto currency and dark web lawyer and I can tell you you should never use your full first and last name as your screen name on dating sites. But you probably should--and in some cases must--use your real name on professional sites like LinkedIn. Twitter, it's you call. Real name equals better SEO and first page google rank when someone does a google search for your name. The bottom line is: there's A LOT of creeps out there, and, assuming you are a woman by your name, you will get DM's, fan boys, and maybe even cyber stalked, sooner or later. Also, using the same screen name across multiple sites allows LE to zero in in your online activity and connect if from one site to another, collecting identifying info along the way, and building a complete composite of you.

Answer 2

We may use nicknames or aliases as long as our intent is not to deceive, I would be pretty confident to say. If we do no harm, no setting ourselves up as a catfish, with fake name, faux photo, false gender we would not break the law. Of course there is always the option of legally changing your name, but that's pretty permanent, and the probability of regrets is high. Changing identity certificates such as driver's licenses and passports is always illegal, unless you're a government spy, like James Bond. Many parents just in fun have signed student papers as cartoon characters, probably, at least I know some who have done so.