Mission 4 Extra
Posted by Adrian on September 10, 2009 at 3:25 p.m.
Sometimes being anonymous on the internet can be very useful!
Every computer on the internet - including yours - has an IP address. It's a series of numbers - like 79.125.13.120 - that describes the 'location' of your computer on the internet (a bit like a phone number).
Your IP address can also tell websites your location in the real world too. Say you're on holiday in Spain and trying to catch up with Big Brother on 4OD - it's your IP address that tells 40D that you're not in the UK, and prevents you from watching the video. It's also what tells Hulu.com that you're not allowed to watch Family Guy clips because you're outside the US.
Staying Anonymous
Cal's found a clever (if slightly dodgy!) way to watch US telly: he uses a proxy server. A proxy server is a website that lets you pretend to be on a different IP address to the one you're really on. People use proxy servers at schools and companies to get around firewalls, and visit sites like Facebook and Myspace. Cal uses a proxy server in the US, so it looks like his computer is there.
Most people don't have to worry about this stuff. But in places like Iran and China, using a proxy can be the difference between life and death for people that want to express their opinions without fear of the government tracking them down. And unless you use a proxy, even private or 'anonymous' messages can be tracked through your IP address, as Max does with the supposedly anonymous Daily Hate posts.
Trolls and Flamers
The Daily Hate is an example of people using anonymity to bully and threaten other people, and Max is one of their targets. The good news is that Max has lots of friends he can turn to. Cyber-bullying is an increasingly common problem and there are many organisations that he could go to for advice.
If you - or one of your mates - are being cyber-bullied, you don't have to deal with it alone: tell your friends, family, teachers or even get confidential advice from ChildLine on 0800 1111.
Links
Smokescreen is a cutting-edge game about life online, on a new social network called White Smoke.
Explore websites, search for clues, receive phone calls, chat on IM, and tackle puzzles and minigames. On Smokescreen, who can you trust? Find out more...
