Why is a username considered personally identifiable information?

[00_01_02_03_04_05_06_07_08_09_10]

Whenever someone says "so-and-so username" did "so-and-so" on a thread, the thread gets locked or the user gets banned for this rule:
"Do not do any of the following: Post personally identifiable information (i.e. name, address, email, phone number, etc.)"
~ https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=4045-USHJ-3810

So why is a username considered personally identifiable information? There is an obvious difference between the username of an account and the name of a person.

"Personally identifiable" by definition means you can identify the person. But if you try to identify a person using "XxX_so-and-so_420", I kinda doubt that is going to work.

Anyone mind explaining this?

[999999999]

It isn't, unless you are naming and shaming them for something.

[00_01_02_03_04_05_06_07_08_09_10]

Messaggio originale di 999999999:

It isn't unless you are naming and shaming them for something.

Yeah, but the rule specifically says "personally identifiable information" and not "don't shame users".

Why is a username considered "personally identifiable information"? That is literally what it says.

[The Giving One]

Are you sure we are talking about the same names here ?

Your profile name is easily changed, and is not actually your username. Your username is what you log into your account with. Or so, this is the normally seen terminology with how those work.

[999999999]

Again, username is is not a part of that unless you name and shame them.

Read this an d go to the name and shame part for more.

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=143962136

[00_01_02_03_04_05_06_07_08_09_10]

Messaggio originale di The Giving One:

Are you sure we are talking about the same names here ?

Your profile name is easily changed, and is not actually you username. Your username is what you log into your account with. Or so, this is the normally seen terminology with how those work.

By definition, "username" means "an identification used by a person with access to a computer, network, or online service."
So whatever you go by.

But in the example I have given, from Steam's perspective, yes it is a profile name.

Why is a profile name considered "personally identifiable information" as per the rules?

[The Giving One]

Profile name can be easily changed in your settings on your account. That is not identifiable.

There is no point in posting your username in the forums, and so it is considered personal information, as far as I know. Also, it does the security of your account no good to post that anyway.

[999999999]

The OP is "Naming and Shaming" a user here...

http://steamcommunity.com/app/304390/discussions/0/2765630416826596731

[00_01_02_03_04_05_06_07_08_09_10]

Messaggio originale di The Giving One:

Profile name can be easily changed in your settings on your account. That is not identifiable.

Most moderators would disagree with you.

Threads have been locked and people have been banned over people saying "*insert profile name here* has done whatever."

Messaggio originale di 999999999:

You are "Naming and Shaming" a user here...

http://steamcommunity.com/app/304390/discussions/0/2765630416826596731

I didn't make that thread.

[The Giving One]

Messaggio originale di Malleable Soul:

Threads have been locked and people have been banned over people saying "*insert profile name here* has done whatever."

Well, yes, of course. If they are naming and shaming, that is against the rules. That's probably why it was locked/they were banned.....not for the name being posted but the naming and shaming.

[gwait]

Pretty sure that "name" from that article refers to a person's real name, not a profile name.

[Muppet among Puppets]

In a forum you dont know
1) what actually happened
2) and if the profile actually is the person

So its better to keep it out of the forum. It would have too many false effects if that was common.

[999999999]

Messaggio originale di Malleable Soul:

Messaggio originale di 999999999:

The OP is "Naming and Shaming" a user here...

http://steamcommunity.com/app/304390/discussions/0/2765630416826596731

I didn't make that thread.

Sorry. Edited.

[00_01_02_03_04_05_06_07_08_09_10]

Messaggio originale di The Giving One:

Messaggio originale di Malleable Soul:

Threads have been locked and people have been banned over people saying "*insert profile name here* has done whatever."

Well, yes, of course. If they are naming and shaming, that is against the rules. That's probably why it was locked/they were banned.....not for the name being posted but the naming and shaming.

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=4045-USHJ-3810
No where on the offical rules does it mention "shame" once.

It says, and I quote "Do not do any of the following: Post personally identifiable information (i.e. name, address, email, phone number, etc.)"

Mods are using that specific rule to ban/lock people who talk negatively about a profile name.

Why exactly?

[999999999]

They are in charge of the game hub and can interpret the rules in that fashion.

[The Giving One]

Simply posting a profile name (the one seen in the forums here) is not against the rules, as far as I know and understand.

If that is placed with accusations against that person, then yes, that is against the rules.

Username, on the other hand, you cannot change on your account. It's permanent, so it is more understandable why that should not be posted, and kept secret.