Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

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Rorschach
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Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

Post by Rorschach » Tue Sep 04, 2012 10:18 am

I noticed someone mentioning that they use IP addresses to identify users.
Having an IT background I've always thought this was a method fraught with inaccuracy.
Here are some articles to back up my reasons as to why.
Since these numbers are usually assigned to internet service providers within region-based blocks, an IP address can often be used to identify the region or country from which a computer is connecting to the Internet. An IP address can sometimes be used to show the user's general location.
http://whatismyipaddress.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The problem is that these cases tend to operate with the pinpoint accuracy of a flamethrower, which is why New York Judge Gary Brown has ruled IP addresses are insufficient evidence to identify pirates, and has provided a lengthy and thoughtful explanation as to why that is.
“While a decade ago, home wireless networks were nearly non-existent, 61% of US homes now have wireless access. As a result, a single IP address usually supports multiple computer devices – which unlike traditional telephones can be operated simultaneously by different individuals.

Different family members, or even visitors, could have performed the alleged downloads. Unless the wireless router has been appropriately secured (and in some cases, even if it has been secured), neighbors or passersby could access the Internet using the IP address assigned to a particular subscriber and download the plaintiff’s film.”
http://www.geekosystem.com/ip-address-insufficient-id/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The EU took an active stance on IP addresses in 2008, declaring IP addresses as personally identifiable information (PII). This is an important first step because IP addresses are PII. That said, even the EU would admit that IP addresses do not always directly correlate to a given person. Laptop users frequently change IP addresses as they move from an Internet café to work, for example, and ISPs often dynamically swap out IP addresses. An IP address can sometimes only give approximate location, and may be shared across many members in an office, university, or café.
http://www.adexchanger.com/the-debate/w ... -bad-idea/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Anti-piracy groups and lawyers across Europe are unmovable - they say that since they logged a copyright infringement from a particular IP address, the bill payer is responsible. Now a court in Rome has decided that on the contrary, an IP address does not identify an infringer, only a particular connection.
http://torrentfreak.com/court-rules-tha ... er-090615/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://forum.digital-digest.com/f145/ip ... 91468.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
DOLT - A person who is stupid and entirely tedious at the same time, like bwian. Oblivious to their own mental incapacity. On IGNORE - Warrior, mellie, Nom De Plume, FLEKTARD

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skippy
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Re: Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

Post by skippy » Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:01 am

LOL written like a true sock, boofy. :rofl :rofl :rofl

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mantra
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Re: Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

Post by mantra » Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:42 am

Having an IT background I've always thought this was a method fraught with inaccuracy.
I looked into it a few years ago when a member was being accused of using multiple nicks. At the time the incriminating proxy IP was posted publicly. That particular IP as well as numerous others were used by a million people - probably more. If you use the same proxy service - it's easy for multiple, but different members to at some stage have the same number or similar.

Aussie

Re: Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

Post by Aussie » Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:45 am

That particular IP as well as numerous others were used by a million people
Not all of them would be on the same small Forum. You would have to be dead unlucky to use the anonymising proxy being used by a genuine other poster on these Boards.

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Rorschach
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Re: Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

Post by Rorschach » Tue Sep 04, 2012 12:46 pm

Depends more on the ISP and the type of connection, most people I know these days are wireless.
DOLT - A person who is stupid and entirely tedious at the same time, like bwian. Oblivious to their own mental incapacity. On IGNORE - Warrior, mellie, Nom De Plume, FLEKTARD

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IQS.RLOW
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Re: Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

Post by IQS.RLOW » Tue Sep 04, 2012 2:33 pm

Aussie wrote:
That particular IP as well as numerous others were used by a million people
Not all of them would be on the same small Forum. You would have to be dead unlucky to use the anonymising proxy being used by a genuine other poster on these Boards.
Monk was the first poster to announce publicly the proxy he was using on here. Are you unable to wrap your feeble mind around that fact and that other posters may have thought to use it considering your history with revealing personal information...
Quote by Aussie: I was a long term dead beat, wife abusing, drunk, black Muslim, on the dole for decades prison escapee having been convicted of paedophilia

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Black Orchid
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Re: Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

Post by Black Orchid » Tue Sep 04, 2012 3:43 pm

A small amount of knowledge is a dangerous thing to those who run off half cocked and half baked

Anyone using the same ISP can have the same recycled IP as that of another person using the same ISP. Anyone using the same ISP can have very similar numbers

Aussie

Re: Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

Post by Aussie » Tue Sep 04, 2012 3:48 pm

A small amount of knowledge is a dangerous thing to those who run off half cocked and half baked
Yes BO.................... :roll:

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Black Orchid
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Re: Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

Post by Black Orchid » Tue Sep 04, 2012 4:16 pm

Read up a bit on it Aussie. I am no expert but I obviously know way more than you about IPs. Not a hard thing to lay claim to, I might add

Aussie

Re: Identity by IP address fraught with inaccuracy.

Post by Aussie » Tue Sep 04, 2012 4:30 pm

.. but I obviously know way more than you about IPs....
8-)

What was it about a 'small amount of knowledge....' again?

:tweed

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