Description: A false identity refers to the creation of a deceptive profile or representation of a person, often used in digital environments. This concept involves adopting a name, image, or personal information that does not correspond to reality, with the aim of deceiving others. False identities can be used on various platforms, such as social networks, online forums, and dating apps, where users can hide their true identity. The main characteristics of a false identity include the manipulation of personal data, the creation of fictitious profiles, and interaction with other users under a misleading appearance. The relevance of this phenomenon has grown with the rise of the Internet and social media, where the ease of creating anonymous accounts has facilitated the proliferation of these identities. Cybersecurity faces this challenge, as false identities can be used for fraud, harassment, and other criminal activities, highlighting the importance of identity verification in the digital environment.
History: The concept of false identity has existed since the dawn of human communication, but its manifestation in the digital environment began to take shape with the advent of the Internet in the 1990s. As social networks and online forums became popular, the creation of fake profiles became a common practice. One of the most notable events was the ‘Catfish’ case, which gained popularity in 2010 with a documentary exploring the lives of people who had created false identities online. Since then, the term has been widely used to describe situations of deception on digital platforms.
Uses: False identities are used in a variety of contexts, including online fraud, cyberbullying, and manipulation on social media. Scammers may create false identities to deceive people and obtain personal information or money. In the realm of online dating, some individuals use false identities to attract others, often with malicious intent. Additionally, false identities can be employed in misinformation campaigns, where malicious actors create fake profiles to spread false news or influence public opinion.
Examples: A notable example of a false identity is the case of ‘Niamh’, a fictional character created by a man who posed as a woman on a dating platform, resulting in multiple deceptions and scams. Another case involves fake accounts on social media platforms used to spread misinformation during political events, where users create false profiles to manipulate public perception. Additionally, in the realm of cyberbullying, there have been documented cases where individuals create false identities to harass their victims anonymously.
