The option for anonymous posting is allowed in various situations when individuals may have valid reasons for wanting to conceal their identity while still participating in online discussions.  

Here are some scenarios where anonymous posting options may be appropriate: 

• Protecting privacy: When discussing sensitive or personal topics, individuals may prefer to maintain their privacy by posting anonymously to avoid potential repercussions or harassment. 

• Encouraging honest feedback: Allowing anonymous posting can create an environment where individuals feel more comfortable providing honest feedback or sharing their opinions without fear of judgment or backlash. 

• Promoting diversity of perspectives: Anonymity can help level the playing field and encourage participation from individuals who might otherwise feel marginalized or hesitant to speak up due to social, cultural, or professional factors. 

• Reporting misconduct or abuse: Providing an anonymous reporting option can empower individuals to report instances of harassment, bullying, or other misconduct without fear of retaliation. Should a member believe a post is in violation of the Community Guidelines, they can click on Reply and select Mark as Inappropriate. The message will be removed and placed in moderation. AHLA staff will review the content and determine if it should be blocked or reposted. 

Providing an option for anonymous posting can contribute to a more inclusive, diverse, and safe online environment. 

When a request is made by a member to post anonymously, the post is entered into a moderation queue. Posting as Anonymous disassociates the member’s name from the post but note that no electronic communication is completely untraceable. AHLA staff reviews the post and approves or rejects the post. If the post is approved, it will appear in the community discussion. If the post is rejected, the member making the post will receive a reply from staff indicating the reason for the decision. By moving the post into moderation, AHLA strives to balance the benefits and drawbacks of using this option to ensure robust engagement in the Community.  

When post is entered into moderation, the sender will receive this message: 

Thank you for participating in the AHLA Health Law Network and for being part of our community. Your content below was received and sent to moderation for review. Upon review, we have determined that the content violates the Health Law Network Guidelines, and has therefore been removed from the site. These Guidelines establish participation rules to ensure the best possible experience for all members. If you have any questions, please Contact Us. We appreciate your participation and cooperation in ensuring a positive community experience for all members.