smatovic wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 6:09 pm
Question, can we solve anonymity on a technical level, send verification code via SMS/voice mail to phone number?
You don't solve anonymity by linking a user to a phone number: I use a disposable one and I'm still anonymous. I buy 10 of them and register 10 times...
It would be possible to introduce a category like 'authenticated user' for those who subscribe to a sort of lifetime subscription costing one cent to be paid via bank transfer. Considering factors such as user simplicity, ease of operation for Talckchess, costs, and a sufficient level of authentication, I believe this is one of the best methods.
Alex
Interesting approach, this is how PayPal verifies IDs IIRC.
smatovic wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 6:09 pm
Question, can we solve anonymity on a technical level, send verification code via SMS/voice mail to phone number?
You don't solve anonymity by linking a user to a phone number: I use a disposable one and I'm still anonymous. I buy 10 of them and register 10 times...
It would be possible to introduce a category like 'authenticated user' for those who subscribe to a sort of lifetime subscription costing one cent to be paid via bank transfer. Considering factors such as user simplicity, ease of operation for Talckchess, costs, and a sufficient level of authentication, I believe this is one of the best methods.
Alex
Interesting approach, this is how PayPal verifies IDs IIRC.
--
Srdja
We run into danger of piling on layers which give more bother than the problem we try to solve.
chrisw wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 8:44 pmWe run into danger of piling on layers which give more bother than the problem we try to solve.
Absolutely. Involving anything financial is no biggy for a shop or so because that's part of the business anyway - but just for authentication, that's a can of worms that you don't want to open. Besides, we'd have a forum that doesn't sell anything, yet still would ask for some sort of banking details just for signing up? That would be a huge red flag for me as potential new member. I'd suspect some sort of scam going on and would immediately nope out.
chrisw wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 8:44 pmWe run into danger of piling on layers which give more bother than the problem we try to solve.
Absolutely. Involving anything financial is no biggy for a shop or so because that's part of the business anyway - but just for authentication, that's a can of worms that you don't want to open. Besides, we'd have a forum that doesn't sell anything, yet still would ask for some sort of banking details just for signing up? That would be a huge red flag for me as potential new member. I'd suspect some sort of scam going on and would immediately nope out.
Well, then we switch from asking members to vote, to asking people who signed up to a voting register to vote.
How about sign up registration form:
Just register with a user name, it’s enough as long as Admin passes the name.
Voluntary addition, to be on voting register, add real name. Reason- increased security of vote.
Also can be done in two stages, one later.
- the takeover of domain+db was successful by founders + community donations
- the migration to new server was successful by founders + community contribution
It would be sad if TC fails now cos of moderator elections, in regard of the two former tasks, this one should be a minor one, or alike. Fingers crossed.
smatovic wrote: ↑Sat Nov 16, 2024 9:43 am
Reflecting a bit...
- the takeover of domain+db was successful by founders + community donations
- the migration to new server was successful by founders + community contribution
It would be sad if TC fails now cos of moderator elections, in regard of the two former tasks, this one should be a minor one, or alike. Fingers crossed.
--
Srdja
No worries, elections will start as intended on the 21th.
90% of coding is debugging, the other 10% is writing bugs.
smatovic wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 6:09 pm
Question, can we solve anonymity on a technical level, send verification code via SMS/voice mail to phone number?
You don't solve anonymity by linking a user to a phone number: I use a disposable one and I'm still anonymous. I buy 10 of them and register 10 times...
It would be possible to introduce a category like 'authenticated user' for those who subscribe to a sort of lifetime subscription costing one cent to be paid via bank transfer. Considering factors such as user simplicity, ease of operation for Talckchess, costs, and a sufficient level of authentication, I believe this is one of the best methods.
Alex
In europe you get a prepaid telephone number only when you present your identity card to the provider.
You cannot buy 10 prepaid cards under wrong name and fake identities.
This is because of terrorism prevention.
What seems like a fairy tale today may be reality tomorrow.
Here we have a fairy tale of the day after tomorrow....
mclane wrote: ↑Sat Nov 16, 2024 12:02 pm
In europe you get a prepaid telephone number only when you present your identity card to the provider.
Hi,
well, I often quote ChatGPT because when I don't know a topic in depth, I find it quite useful:
In theory, European laws generally aim to restrict the anonymous purchase and use of disposable (or prepaid) cell phones without proper identification. Regulations like anti-money laundering (AML) and anti-terrorism laws require telecom providers to verify the identity of their customers when selling SIM cards, even for prepaid plans. However, the practical enforcement of these rules varies:
Is it possible in practice?
Buying without ID:
In some European countries, street vendors or small shops may sell SIM cards without requiring ID, despite the legal requirement. These practices are technically illegal but might occur in less-regulated environments.
Online purchases:
Prepaid SIM cards are often sold online with no in-person verification. Some platforms may not strictly enforce ID checks, especially if they are based outside the country.
Using foreign SIM cards:
A common workaround is to purchase disposable SIM cards from countries with looser regulations and use them in Europe. However, roaming charges and connectivity might be issues.
Secondhand SIMs:
SIM cards previously registered by someone else might be sold, bypassing ID verification.
Conclusion:
While the laws are in place to prevent anonymous use of disposable phones, in practice, loopholes and varying levels of enforcement make it possible to acquire one. However, relying on such methods carries legal risks and potential fines.
Sure, it's unlikely that someone would go to such lengths just to stay anonymous on a chess forum, but that's not the point.
mclane wrote: ↑Sat Nov 16, 2024 12:02 pmIn europe you get a prepaid telephone number only when you present your identity card to the provider.
You cannot buy 10 prepaid cards under wrong name and fake identities.
This is because of terrorism prevention.
I am not sure this is true in the Netherlands. My wife seems to have many unregistered prepaid SIM cards.
Having people make a small payment to get registered as a 'verified person' is not a bad idea, though. We could even give them something tangible in return. Sell TalkChess merchandise! Like a ballpoint pen, key ring or T-shirt with our logo.
