Linking virtual and real-world identities

Yaqoub Alsarkal, Nan Zhang, Yilu Zhou

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Today, one can find from the web vast amount of information about an individual. Specifically, such information can be classified into two categories, virtual and real-world identities. This paper addresses a novel problem of linking these two types of identities based on information publicly available on the web. We start by studying how one can link virtual identities (i.e., user profiles) at Twitter with real-world identities at Whitepages.com (containing personal information such as name, age, relatives, etc.). We demonstrate that a substantial portion (at least 0.17%) of Twitter users in the U.S. can indeed be potentially linked to their real-world identities through information available at Whitepages.com, revealing sensitive personal data. We discuss the implications of such identity linkages on both individual privacy and law enforcement, and also point out the future studies required in this topic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2015 IEEE International Conference on Intelligence and Security Informatics
Subtitle of host publicationSecuring the World through an Alignment of Technology, Intelligence, Humans and Organizations, ISI 2015
EditorsLina Zhou, G. Alan Wang, Wenji Mao, Lisa Kaati
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages49-54
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781479998883
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 23 2015
Event13th IEEE International Conference on Intelligence and Security Informatics, ISI 2015 - Baltimore, United States
Duration: May 27 2015May 29 2015

Publication series

Name2015 IEEE International Conference on Intelligence and Security Informatics: Securing the World through an Alignment of Technology, Intelligence, Humans and Organizations, ISI 2015

Other

Other13th IEEE International Conference on Intelligence and Security Informatics, ISI 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period5/27/155/29/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Law
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Linking virtual and real-world identities'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this