My name is Donald Duck: The pseudonymization

In essence, the pseudonymization of data is a weakened form of anonymization. In the latter, data is changed in such a way that it can no longer be assigned to an individual. In pseudonymization, only the name or other identifiers are replaced by a 'code' - usually a multi-digit sequence of letters and numbers. Although this makes it more difficult to identify the person, it does not usually make it impossible. The relationships between data records remain intact and it is possible to merge data.

'Nicknames', 'pseudos' or 'avatars' - these are all examples of how pseudonymization is advancing in everyday life. Legally, this 'camouflage' is also permitted under Section 13 of the German Telemedia Act. In the event of a complaint, however, this pseudonym is usually uncovered. The service provider is obliged - for example in the case of police or public prosecutor investigations - to disclose the user's real name.

Despite its limited protective effect, the increasing use of pseudonyms is contributing significantly to the decline of the culture of conversation on the Internet. Many users believe they are safe behind the shield of a pseudonym. As a result, the bourgeois inhibition threshold for decency and conversational culture is falling, and strong-German bullying and threats are getting out of hand.