I feel like there's a prevalent double standard when it comes to protecting identities of forum users.
If topics existed where lots of users were posting theories and collecting evidence in an attempt to unveil the real-world identity of another forum user, I don't think such threads would be tolerated. As per the rules, doxxing is only permitted in the case of legitimate scam accusations:
here are some new rules on doxxing:
1. Personal information must be confined to the new "investigations" board (under Scam Accusations), which is only visible to Members and above. Personal information is defined as anything which links a user's online identity (username, email, etc.) to their meatspace identity
So why do we allow rampant probing and scrutiny regarding the identity of satoshi? I don't see any justification for them to be an exception to the rule. There's no way people would accept it if it were their
own account subject to such investigations. If someone did ever successfully identify satoshi and published it here on the forum, then they would have clearly violated the rule. Ergo, users are attempting to break the rules every time they publicly try to link:
a user's online identity (username, email, etc.) to their meatspace identity
This should not be happening. There are inherent dangers in revealing someone's identity, particularly if they are considered wealthy. The user in question, or even their family, could be at risk of falling victim to burglary, kidnapping, torture or other crimes (and I'm certain there are few potential targets more tempting for criminals than someone as flush with BTC as satoshi is perceived to be). There are very good reasons why attempting to dox someone is frowned upon.
I propose it's time for this rule to be applied properly, to end the double standard and to ensure no one is attempting to dox anyone else when there is no valid complaint of a scam.