What is v5

[Shorty]

In one of the attachemnts you saw an ip, so i would assume so.

[Rick Ace]

Sorry, I didn't see your post. Apparently, we can see IPs.

[Shorty]

lol. Yes sir. I do believe we can.

[NSX05]

Can we see IPs in the user profile? Like for instance 'last login IP' and 'registered IP'?

[Ajay]

Aug 8, 2012 8:30:43 GMT -8 NSX05 said:

Can we see IPs in the user profile? Like for instance 'last login IP' and 'registered IP'?

I'm pretty sure that's a yes.


Sent from my HTC Rezound using ProBoards app

[VS Admin]

Hi guys,

Preface: I am not a lawyer, this is not legal advice, etc.

Let me take some time to explain how IPs are handled in v5.

There are various privacy laws around the world that are going into effect that are tightening the rules on how certain information can and can not be used. For example, in the UK there are various laws (such as the Data Protection Act) that cover how certain personal information can be used. ProBoards is based in the US and is subject to US law, but many people who use our service are located in other countries around the world, and these types of laws may apply to them.

We've designed v5 with two things in mind: ease of use and privacy. We want you to be able to do your job as an administrator/moderator as quickly as possible while respecting user privacy at the same time, especially considering new laws around the world.

After a lot of work and effort, we came up with a very simple system that gives you all the functionality that you need as a forum admin while still respecting user privacy. IPs are not displayed in posts, but rather we give you all the options you need relating to the IP address. For example:

1) You can ban the user directly from any post they make
2) You can search for:
-any threads created by the same IP
-members with a matching IP
-posts made by the same IP
-jump straight to the security log for any entries that match that post's IP.

Screenshot:


Similarly, we focus on functionality in the ban window. We give you all the options you need to block this member without getting into the technical side by showing the user's IP address here.



Now, once a user is banned in this fashion, you can view the first three sets of numbers from their IP address on the ban page (the full IP is banned - you just see most of the IP, not all of it). For example, if the IP address 1.2.3.4 was banned, you would se 1.2.3.XXX. This gives forum admins enough information to be able to cross-reference IP addresses and deal with problem members while still ensuring that the information can not be considered "personal information" under various privacy laws.



As we have repeatedly said, v5 is designed with privacy in mind. We plan to be at the forefront of the online privacy movement. Our goal is to provide you as a forum administrator all the tools you need to do your job quickly and effectively. These new tools make moderating your forum much easier than ever before. Further, as a ProBoards user, we want to ensure your privacy is respected by forum owners. We believe that we have struck the right balance to make this happen considering the full situation.

[NSX05]

Well that sucks.

[VS Admin]

Dylan,

We have provided you with all the functionality you need related to the user's IP address. What exactly can you not do with this system that you wish you could do? If you have a constructive use for more information that is not a privacy violation, we may be able to cater to your needs.

Patrick

[Shorty]

I think the first 3 sets of numbers should be enough. I know that all I really look at. lol, but thanks for the screenshots Pat!

[Rick Ace]

So, the privacy laws state that revealing partial amounts of your IP is okay? Interesting law.

[Martyn Dale]

Its like giving an area code for a phone number, or a city instead a home address. There is no way to use it to directly identify a person.

[NSX05]

But it's still giving away a plethora of users' IP addresses. You can just stick a number at the end.

[Martyn Dale]

Im not sure what your point is. I could mash a ton of numbers into a phone (as long as i adhear tot he format of phone numbers of course) and get a real person.

Additionally, you were asked by Patrick what further information you would need, and why the options described above are not enough.

[NSX05]

I see you've now removed the last paragraph from your post...

Also, I was merely commenting on the lack of not being able to see the last 3 numbers. That's what I'd use to track specific accounts. Mainly accounts that had been a problem on a forum. And bot accounts.

[Rick Ace]

I remembered something more important.

When does Proboards plan on moving its servers to the EU? And when it does, will our forums experience any downtime? Thanks.