Identity Management in Online Social Networks
What is Identity Management
Identity Management means how a person shows and protects their identity on the internet. Identity means who you are online, and management means how you control it. When you use social media, shopping apps, or college portals, you share some details about yourself. Identity management helps you decide what to share, where to share, and how to keep it safe. It also helps websites recognize that you are the correct person and not someone else pretending to be you.
For example, when you log in to your college portal using your ID and password, the system checks your identity before showing your marks. In the same way, Instagram checks your login details before opening your account. This process protects your data and stops misuse.
Key points
Identity management controls online identity
It checks who you are on the internet
It protects personal information
It avoids fake users and misuse
Exam Tip 📝
Identity management = identifying + protecting a user online
Digital Identity
Meaning of Digital Identity
Digital identity is the information that represents you on the internet. It includes your name, photo, email, mobile number, username, and even your posts and likes. Every time you create an account, you create a digital identity. This identity helps apps and websites know who you are and how to interact with you.
For example, your Gmail account shows your name and email address. Your Instagram profile shows your photo, bio, and posts. All these details together form your digital identity. Just like your Aadhaar card identifies you offline, your digital identity identifies you online.
Key points
Digital identity exists only online
Created when you open an account
Used for login and communication
Very important for security
Remember This 📌
Digital identity is your online face
Identity Management Models: From Identity 1.0 to Identity 2.0
Identity 1.0 Model
Identity 1.0 is the old method of identity management. In this model, every website keeps your identity details separately. You need different usernames and passwords for different websites. This model gives less control to users and creates confusion.
For example, you have one login for Facebook, another for Amazon, and another for your college website. If you forget passwords, you face problems. Also, websites store your data, which can be risky if hacked.
Key points
Separate login for every website
Website controls user data
Less user control
More password problems
Identity 2.0 Model
Identity 2.0 is the modern and improved method. Here, users get more control over their identity. One identity can be used on many platforms with permission. This model focuses more on privacy and user choice.
For example, “Login with Google” allows you to use one account for many apps. You decide what data to share, like email or name. This reduces password stress and improves security.
Key points
User controls identity
One login for many services
Better privacy
Easy to use
Comparison Table
| Feature | Identity 1.0 | Identity 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Website | User |
| Login | Many IDs | Single ID |
| Security | Low | Better |
| Convenience | Difficult | Easy |
Exam Tip 📝
Identity 2.0 focuses on
user control and privacy
Identity Management in Online Social Networks
Identity management in online social networks refers to how social media platforms manage user identities. Social networks must confirm that users are real and protect their data. They use login systems, profile verification, and privacy settings to manage identity.
For example, Facebook asks for an email or phone number during signup. Instagram allows private accounts. LinkedIn verifies professional details. All these steps help manage identity and reduce fake accounts.
Key points
Confirms real users
Protects profiles
Controls visibility
Reduces fake accounts
Why this matters
Protects personal life
Avoids fraud
Builds trust online
Identity as Self-Presentation
Identity as self-presentation means how you show yourself online. People choose profile photos, bios, and posts carefully. Online identity may not always match real life. Users present the best version of themselves.
For example, students post achievements on LinkedIn but not failures. On Instagram, users share happy moments only. This shows how identity is shaped by choice and purpose.
Key points
Users control how they appear
Identity can be selective
Often shows positive image
Influences others’ views
College example
Student posts certificates but not exam stress
Identity Thefts
What is Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when someone steals your identity details and uses them without permission. The thief may use your name, photo, or account to cheat others. This is a serious online crime.
For example, someone hacks your Facebook account and messages your friends for money. Or someone uses your photo to create a fake profile. This can harm your reputation and safety.
Key points
Stealing identity details
Using them illegally
Causes financial and mental loss
Very dangerous
How Identity Theft Happens
Weak passwords
Clicking fake links
Sharing OTP
Using public Wi-Fi
Exam Tip 📝
Identity theft = misuse of someone’s digital identity
Open Security Issues in Online Social Networks
Online social networks still face many security problems. Even with strong systems, risks exist. Hackers, fake profiles, and data leaks are common issues. Users also make mistakes by oversharing information.
For example, users share phone numbers publicly. Hackers use fake links to steal passwords. Some apps misuse user data. These open issues need better awareness and careful usage.
Key points
Fake accounts
Data leakage
Weak privacy awareness
Cyber attacks
Remember This 📌
User awareness is the first security step
Why This Topic is Important for Students
Identity management helps students stay safe online. It protects social media accounts, online payments, and academic portals. In future jobs, identity management helps in secure login systems and data protection roles.
For example, IT jobs need knowledge of user authentication and security. Even non-IT jobs need awareness of online safety. This topic builds responsible digital behaviour.
Possible Exam Questions
2-Mark Questions
Define digital identity.
What is identity theft?
What is identity management?
5-Mark Questions
Explain Identity 1.0 and Identity 2.0.
Describe identity management in social networks.
Explain identity as self-presentation.
10-Mark Questions
Discuss identity management models with examples.
-
Explain identity theft and open security issues in online social networks.
-
Describe the role of identity management in online social networks.
Detailed Summary
Identity management is the process of handling and protecting a user’s identity on the internet. Digital identity includes all online details like name, email, and profile information. Earlier systems followed Identity 1.0, where websites controlled identity, but modern systems use Identity 2.0, where users get more control. Social networks manage identity using login systems, privacy settings, and verification methods.
Users present their identity carefully online, often showing selected information. Identity theft is a major risk where attackers misuse personal data. Many open security issues still exist, so awareness and careful usage are very important. Understanding this topic helps students stay safe online and prepares them for future careers.
Key Takeaways 📌
Identity = who you are online
Digital identity must be protected
Identity 2.0 gives user control
Social networks manage identity daily
Identity theft is a serious risk
Awareness improves security
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Main Idea |
|---|---|
| Identity Management | Protects online identity |
| Digital Identity | Online personal details |
| Identity 1.0 | Website controlled |
| Identity 2.0 | User controlled |
| Identity Theft | Stealing online identity |
| Security Issues | Fake accounts, data misuse |