The discussion revolves around user concerns regarding forum admins ignoring requests for personal data actions, such as username changes or account deletions, under the GDPR and privacy framework. Okhre expresses frustration over a lack of accountability and highlights the disparity between major platforms and smaller forums in handling user privacy. Jagster suggests that users under GDPR can escalate issues to official authorities, while Canapin questions the claim about Google’s compliance, providing a link to Google’s GDPR fines. Heliosurge notes that since Discourse is open-source, individual forum hosts are responsible for compliance, and legal options may vary by location. Okhre plans to pursue official support and, if needed, contact EU regulators for delisting. awesomerobot clarifies that Discourse, as a company, does not control hosted forums and directs users to their privacy policy and hosting terms, emphasizing that only sites hosted by Discourse are subject to enforcement.
Has anyone else experienced a situation where a forum admin refuses to respond to requests about personal account actions, such as username changes or account deletions?
It’s frustrating when a single person holds the keys to what goes public, yet ignores the responsibility that comes with it. Even major platforms like Google respect user rights when it comes to privacy and data control.
So how can a single forum admin act as if they have total authority over someone’s personal information?
If an admin refuses to take action or even respond, what options are there?
Has anyone successfully dealt with similar situations?
There isn’t too much you can do. Are you under GDPR? Because if you are, and that forum is under GDPR too, you can contact your official authorities and hope it helps.
Unfortunately because Discourse can be installed by anyone. It means that not everyone will abide by honorable use & managemrnt.
As @Jagster said though if you’re in places like the EU and the site is in the EU. GDPR laws can be used. You may also have other legal options depending on where you’re located
A lot of the major platforms though be careful as many just take the profile offline from public view vs a delete/anonymization
Discourse the company (CDCK, Inc) builds the open source Discourse software, which anyone is free to use, modify, and host themselves. In cases where someone runs Discourse on their own server there’s literally nothing we can do — we have 0 access or control.
The free software development is funded by providing optional paid hosting services. Individual sites hosted by CDCK are responsible for understanding and following their local laws and regulations.
