Smith, AnitaClarke, Roger2026-01-012026-01-010267-3649ORCID:/0009-0002-1154-4882/work/162947318https://hdl.handle.net/1885/733799960This article examines the notions of identification, authentication and anonymity in a legal context. It builds on the assumption that user identification in electronic media represents a significant threat to personal privacy protection. The article considers whether the trend toward more rigorous identification and authentication has a justifiable legal basis, and if so whether enforcement of such procedures ought to take precedence over concerns for personal privacy.6en2000-04-0110.1016/S0267-3649(00)88302-884979798756