← VCE Data Analysis

APP 2: anonymity and pseudonymity

Australian Privacy Principle 2: people can choose to stay anonymous or use a pseudonym with an organisation, unless that is impractical or the law requires them to identify themselves.

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U1O1 - Data analysis — Module 38, 9-10 Digital Technologies: Data privacy and the Australian Privacy Principles — Module 8, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Digital Footprints and Data Minimisation — Module 32, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Privacy Principles and Digital Footprints — Module 17, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Digital Methods for Exchanging Data — Module 68

Understanding APP 2: anonymity and pseudonymity in VCE Data Analysis

What it does: Leaving the name empty and not required shows a service that can be used anonymously, as APP 2 allows. APP 2 has an exception. If the law requires identification or anonymity is impractical, the organisation can ask for a real identity. APP 2 says people should have the option of not identifying themselves, or of using a pseudonym, in most situations. Using a service without giving your name or other identifying details is anonymous use. A pseudonym is a made-up name or username used instead of your real name. Delivering to a home address requires some identifying details. Reading public content does not.

Common mistakes: When identification is not needed, APP 2 lets the person use a pseudonym. Line 4 should allow(username), not demand a real name. Banks must verify identity by law, so APP 2's exception applies. Line 4 should ask for the full name, not allow anonymous use.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 38–54) and word search (Modules 25–54).

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Learning
Duo
Under APP 2, what choice should people usually be offered when dealing with an organisation?
Stay anonymous or use a pseudonymAlways give their full legal name
Matches
signup_form: real_name = required for a public forum
↓
Forcing a real name when anonymity or a pseudonym would work. APP 2 says people should have the option to use a pseudonym unless it is impractical or the law requires ID.
Applying
Meanings
Term
APP 2
Meaning
Australian Privacy Principle 2: people can choose to stay anonymous or use a pseudonym with an organisation, unless that is impractical or the law requires them to identify themselves.
Practice
IF law requires identity THEN
Testing
Gaps
APP lets people stay anonymous
Check Answer
Spots
3IF needs_id = FALSE THEN
4 require(real_name)

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Quick Questions

1. Under APP 2, what choice should people usually be offered when dealing with an organisation?
A. Stay anonymous or use a pseudonym ✓
B. Always give their full legal name
APP 2 says people should have the option of not identifying themselves, or of using a pseudonym, in most situations.
2. A school library app lets you browse the catalogue without logging in. Which APP 2 idea does this show?
A. Mandatory identification
B. Anonymous use of a service ✓
Using a service without giving your name or other identifying details is anonymous use.
3. Which one is a pseudonym?
A. A gaming username like 'NightFox27' that is not your real name ✓
B. Your full name and date of birth on a passport form
A pseudonym is a made-up name or username used instead of your real name.
4. True or false: APP 2 means an organisation must NEVER ask for your real name.
A. True
B. False ✓
APP 2 has exceptions. Organisations can ask for identity if it is impractical to deal with you anonymously or the law requires it.
5. When can an organisation require you to identify yourself under APP 2?
A. When the law requires it, such as opening a bank account ✓
B. Whenever it would like extra data about you
Identity can be required by law or when anonymity is impractical. Wanting more data is not a valid reason.

Match the Pairs

APP 2 → The principle that lets people deal with an organisation anonymously or using a pseudonym, unless that is impractical or illegal
username = "BlueFox_17" → Using a pseudonym instead of your real name
Anonymous use of a service: a person uses it without giving any identifying details → name = "" # not required
When identity is required: the law or practicality means a real name must be given → if law_requires_id: ask_for_real_name()
signup_form: real_name = required for a public forum → Forcing a real name when anonymity or a pseudonym would work. APP 2 says people should have the option to use a pseudonym unless it is impractical or the law requires ID.
if opening_bank_account: allow_anonymous = true → Allowing anonymous use where the law requires identification. The APP 2 exception applies, so identity must be checked.

Key Term

APP 2
Australian Privacy Principle 2: people can choose to stay anonymous or use a pseudonym with an organisation, unless that is impractical or the law requires them to identify themselves.

Fill in the Blanks

1. APP 2 lets people stay anonymous
Hint: Type the number of the Australian Privacy Principle about anonymity and pseudonyms.
2. Using a pseudonym means a made-up name
Hint: Type the word for a made-up name used instead of your real name.
3. IF lawRequiresID THEN ask for real name ENDIF
Hint: Type the pseudocode keyword that starts the action when the condition is true.
4. Anonymous use is OK unless impractical
Hint: Type the word meaning too hard to do in real life, which is one exception to APP 2.
5. IF usePseudonym = TRUE THEN DISPLAY username ENDIF
Hint: Type the Boolean value that means the user chose to use a pseudonym.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A username ← "SkyFox42"
B real_name ← ""
C IF needs_id = FALSE THEN
D require(real_name)
E ENDIF
Line D — When identification is not needed, APP 2 lets the person use a pseudonym. Line 4 should allow(username), not demand a real name.
Question 2
A service ← "bank account"
B needs_id ← TRUE
C IF needs_id = TRUE THEN
D allow_anonymous()
E ENDIF
Line D — Banks must verify identity by law, so APP 2's exception applies. Line 4 should ask for the full name, not allow anonymous use.
Question 3
A OUTPUT "Browse as a guest?"
B INPUT choice
C IF choice = "no" THEN
D start_session(guest)
E ENDIF
Line C — The guest session should start when the user says "yes". Checking for "no" starts anonymous use against their choice.
Question 4
A INPUT nickname
B IF nickname = "" THEN
C REJECT signup
D ENDIF
Line C — If the user gives no name, APP 2 says they can still use a service under a pseudonym. Line 3 should assign a generated guest name, not reject them.
Question 5
A FUNCTION canUseAlias(service)
B RETURN service.needsID
C END FUNCTION
Line B — An alias is allowed only when the service does NOT need identification. The condition is reversed. It should be RETURN NOT service.needsID.

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