Hexbear started during the 2020 BLM protests, where cops were using social media and internet presence to track down activists. They are still doing this, but with less vigor than when police stations were burning down.

This included things like using tattoos on naked bodies, etsy store receipts etc.

Just before the r/cth ban, there was also a problem with chasers and general, um… Pervy men. The space was generally masc, and steps were taken to reduce thirst-posting and the like.

These things combined means that people don’t post selfies or direct identifying information. People post their pets and artwork, but I know I have to make a decision about where and when I post things to make things non-trivial for cops or random chuds. I feel like a unique pet name, breed, and rough region could be enough to track someone down.

Even so, I think I’m bad at it. I feel like if someone knew me and read everything on hexbear they could ID me pretty easily (and I know multiple people in person on hexbear, but we’ve never exchanged usernames).

Idk if there are any hard and fast rules beyond the selfies and direct ID though. I should burn this account.

  • Acute_Engles [he/him, any]@hexbear.net
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    11
    ·
    7 days ago

    This account is the only one with this name but there are a couple users, i believe, who know my other handle. I’ve definitely got holes in my opsec but I’m pretty confident I’m low on the list of potential political prisoners.

    I’m more worried about my cellphone data being used to track my IRL crimes so I usually just leave it at home