We're discussing putting in a way for members to verify their identity.
Right now, we don't require posting of peoples real names, but we do require them at registration. Occasionally an issue comes up where an identity is in question and we've asked for proof. This proof has always been a copy of some form of government issued ID, with all the info removed except for name, city/state and month/year of birth. We've asked that all other information be blacked out or cut out such as street addresses, zip codes, ID numbers, etc. but that the copy be notarized to confirm it's valid and not a mock up. People have been understandably concerned with this due to misunderstandings of how identity theft works.
Our concern's always been to keep out the trouble makers and spammers, while protecting our members privacy.
With that in mind, we've been discussing alternate ways to validate accounts as 'legit' without causing privacy concerns.
What we're looking at doing is adding an optional (as in not-mandatory) validation system offering several ways to confirm that you are who you claim to be. These would be
1- Send in notarized information as previously mentioned. This documentation would be destroyed afterwards.
2- Use a third party ID validation service that will give us an OK, without us having any access to your info. These services do cost a few bucks, but have the added value of being useful across the web.
3- Have 2 or more "known good" members vouch for you.
All MT staff are validated automatically due to the NDA requirements they've completed. Also 'valid' would be our Advisors, most of our supporting members, and anyone whose been to a M&G or other endorsed event.
You'd get a tag "Verified Member" and other members would know you're not a sock puppet or bot.
This is as I said just being discussed and isn't policy.
It's also an optional thing, and would be free, at least from our end.
Thoughts?
Right now, we don't require posting of peoples real names, but we do require them at registration. Occasionally an issue comes up where an identity is in question and we've asked for proof. This proof has always been a copy of some form of government issued ID, with all the info removed except for name, city/state and month/year of birth. We've asked that all other information be blacked out or cut out such as street addresses, zip codes, ID numbers, etc. but that the copy be notarized to confirm it's valid and not a mock up. People have been understandably concerned with this due to misunderstandings of how identity theft works.
Our concern's always been to keep out the trouble makers and spammers, while protecting our members privacy.
With that in mind, we've been discussing alternate ways to validate accounts as 'legit' without causing privacy concerns.
What we're looking at doing is adding an optional (as in not-mandatory) validation system offering several ways to confirm that you are who you claim to be. These would be
1- Send in notarized information as previously mentioned. This documentation would be destroyed afterwards.
2- Use a third party ID validation service that will give us an OK, without us having any access to your info. These services do cost a few bucks, but have the added value of being useful across the web.
3- Have 2 or more "known good" members vouch for you.
All MT staff are validated automatically due to the NDA requirements they've completed. Also 'valid' would be our Advisors, most of our supporting members, and anyone whose been to a M&G or other endorsed event.
You'd get a tag "Verified Member" and other members would know you're not a sock puppet or bot.
This is as I said just being discussed and isn't policy.
It's also an optional thing, and would be free, at least from our end.
Thoughts?
