hawkhead

...say someone on an internet forum really insulted me or hacked me off so much I wanted to get them, how easy would it be for me to get an IP address or something and track down their place of abode?
(This really is hypothetical - you won't be aiding and abetting a murder or anything if you answer.)

MataHari

don't think an IP adress will give you much info, at least not enough to actually find the person...thank god, lol...

hawkhead

But IP addresses are unique right? Do computer shops keep records of which computer goes where? The police use IP addresses to try to counteract credit card fraud don't they?

Blue Cat

I always thought they were unique but they aren't. I have got a forum and I can see everyone who has registered and their IP's. It is really weird because I have often seen two people posting from the same IP when I know for a fact they don't live in the same house/apartment or even same area. It's tricky when it comes to trying to ban someone by IP because often you ban other members as well!! All very strange to say the least.

hawkhead

And how easy would it be for anyone else to see these IP addresses?

Blue Cat

only the administrator of the site can see them, ie me. But I would imagine if the Police forced me to give the information on a poster then I would have to ?

MataHari

if you pay in cash for your computer, surely no one knows who you are...and who is to say that the person who buys the computer is also the one that is actually the user?

Blue Cat

valid point, but you read about IP's being tracked etc, I have no idea how it works!!

hawkhead

Exactly! I can understand the powers that be being able to do it (as you said the police could probably force you to give IP addresses) but how easy would it be for the wo/man in the street?

MataHari

so...who are you planning to insult

Blue Cat

so what you really mean is who can see your IP and what can they do with it! on this site I think the administrators can see IP's but not the Moderators, can't remember. So no a woman on the street can't see your IP.

hawkhead

OK, good! Not planning on insulting anyone, just getting a bit of big brother style paranoia!!

Emerald_Eyes

Just google IP Address lookup or locator. These free online search engines can usually tell where the IP Address is located and whether it is associated with a company. Not sure if it'll give you an individuals name though.

MataHari

a quick google tells me you can't really find out more than a general location of the user...any more and you'll need to go through the police/courts...

MataHari

.