Should You Plant Your Digital Flag?

When Owning Your Identity Online Is Safer Than Staying Invisible

Most privacy advice talks about deleting, opting out, and staying under the radar.
And yes — sometimes the best move is to quietly disappear.

But not always.

There are moments when the opposite strategy is safer:
Claim your name. Create the account. Even if you never plan to use it.

In the privacy world, this is sometimes called “planting your flag.”
It means putting a small, intentional stake in the digital ground — so no one else can do it first.

Why would you do that?

Because names, usernames, and profiles can be used by others — and not always with good intent.

Imagine:

• Someone else creates an account in your name and starts posting
• A scammer makes a fake Gmail or Twitter account that looks like yours
• Your child’s full name is claimed by a stranger on a major service

Once that name is taken, it’s hard to get it back.
And that can lead to confusion, reputational harm, or lost trust.

But isn’t this the opposite of staying private?

In some ways, yes. But privacy isn’t about vanishing — it’s about control.

You might never use the account.
But owning it gives you options.

“I’m not using this address right now, but I still own the keys.”
vs.
“I left the door open, and someone else moved in.”

When to plant your digital flag

Consider it when:

• You use a consistent name online
• You’re protecting your kids’ future online presence
• You want to avoid impersonation
• You’re not on a platform, but don’t want someone pretending you are
• You’re building a privacy-conscious life and want to stay in control

Also consider:

• Custom emails or alias systems
• Your username on major platforms
• Secure logins for names you care about

A quiet form of defence

Planting your flag doesn’t mean going public.
It means owning your presence — and deciding what others can or can’t do in your name.

Final thought: Privacy is also about presence

Sometimes, being invisible isn’t the safest option.
Sometimes, the best way to protect your identity… is to own it first.

Want help building digital habits that put you back in control?
Join our 7-Day Privacy Bootcamp — gentle, practical tips for real life.