I have been floating around the forums for the last 12 years and have seen endless members come and go.
I think it's safe to say, every grow forum is watched by an online crime force, they collect information to identify you.
Just a few things to think about next time you upload pictures and say it's your birthday.
Most growers say where they live, for example, I live in the UK, could even say the southeast, not a problem because it is still millions to one.
Never give out your dob. (I use a fake one)
365(days) x 60(years) = 29,100 (between 20 and 80)
In a room of 30,000, they can narrow you down to one person
If they know your sex that's 1 in 60,000 people
Pictures, I have seen pictures of tattoos on the forums, no two tattoos are the same, may look similar but they can give you away if they are recognized by the wrong person or your Facebook account, there is software that could match up tattoos.
Showing clear pictures of your hands (fingerprint) would give you away if the police have you on record.
Pictures that show a reflection of you, don't have to be clear, their software for that.
Just hope this will help to keep growers safe online.