The pseudonym system allows users to build an online reputation without actually giving away their identity, and protects them from having information gathered about their personal lives, Hill said.

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You must create an account, which is a little time consuming but protects you from having your personal information available to everyone.

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"A lot of people think the First Amendment protects journalists from having to disclose this sort of information, " he said Monday.

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Under the terms of the settlement, Twitter will be barred for 20 years from misleading consumers about the extent to which it protects the security, privacy, and confidentiality of nonpublic consumer information, including the measures it takes to prevent unauthorized access to nonpublic information and honor the privacy choices made by consumers.

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In England, attempts to disclose confidential information can readily be barred by the law there, which strongly protects matters that are considered confidential by the people involved.

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