Heterogeneity in online identity obfuscation: techniques, motivations, and links to illicit activities

<p>As identity controls tighten online, understanding who obfuscates and why is essential to differentiating privacy-oriented protection from mal-intent. We examine Identity Obfuscation Behaviours (IOBs) - actions taken to avoid identification - as a patterned behavioural repertoire. Study One consulted 33 experts from across sectors to develop a comprehensive IOB inventory. Study Two used a large-scale survey (N=1001), purposefully sampled to a span a range of technical, occupational and privacy-relevant profiles, to measure IOB-use alongside demographic variables, technical skill, privacy concerns, motivations, and sensitive activity. Quantitative modelling identified three robust user profiles (high, low, and selective obfuscators). Profiles differed systematically by occupation and geopolitical context, non-linearly by technical skill, and inversely by current privacy concern. Qualitative analysis found motivations included concerns of protection, autonomy, and principled opposition to surveillance; quantitative analyses suggested that only instrumental motivations translated into action. Obfuscation was associated with greater engagement in all sensitive activities. Although causal direction cannot be inferred, qualitative accounts suggested that obfuscation shapes subsequent attitudes and behaviours in divergent ways, including empowerment, anxiety, and, for some, encouraging harmful conduct. These findings position obfuscation as a heterogeneous, context-dependent behavioural system, highlighting the limits of inferring motivations from individual tools/techniques.</p>