When I originally wrote my profile (on joining) I included my date of birth, since I'm not secretive about my age, and I think it's nice to know roughly how old other people are, because you then know something more about where they're coming from.

However, I then saw a tv programme about identity theft which gave me the feeling that any specific data about you such as date of birth can help people "steal your identity" - which usually means they pose as you to get credit etc. And they cited the web as one source of such data (along with "dumpster diving" and other things).

I assume that if someone has a blog, or a personal web page for business or other reasons, and includes their full name, full DOB and contact details, that's a good start for someone trying to recreate your identity. The DOB and address pins it down to you specifically, so puts in you in more danger. It's then easier for people to pose as you to gain other information about you, using social engineering. I know this info can be found in many places, but I still think better not to hand it to rogues on a plate. I think they often build up details on a person bit by bit before they strike, but this could be their start.

So I took my DOB out of my profile, but I was still very happy for people to know my age, so I tried to only input a year of birth, but it came up as blank. If you don't put the full DOB it won't let you put anything into that field. I could have made up a date and month but I'd rather not lie.

So I wondered if WW could change the profile part of the site so it's possible to input only a year of birth rather than a date of birth? And maybe there should be a warning to people who wish to put their full DOB?

Just a thought. And if someone knows more about this issue then I'm very willing to be corrected.

Deb

The bigger problem is putting your email address online, which can lead to spam-mail. There are 'spiders' - automated software programs - which go round websites collecting emails and other data and forward it to spam-mailers.
But as far as d.o.b. and addresses are concerned these are freely available off the Electoral Roll.

I totally agree about email addresses, but at least that only leads to spam - irritating, but not as awful as someone running up debts in your name.

As for the electoral roll, I know you can ask to have those details hidden, but I'm not sure whether that applies only to the versions they sell (spit!) or also the versions held for public record. I'll try to find out, unless you know?

We ask for our details to be withheld.

Deb

<Added>

ie, I know there is always going to be one version with all those details on, but the ones the public can view may have them hidden if you tick that box.