🕵️‍♀️ Protecting Your Privacy as a Member of National Aspergillosis Centre Support (UK)

A guide for staying anonymous outside the group while still taking part inside

The National Aspergillosis Centre Support (UK) Facebook group is a private but visible group. That means:

• Only members can see your posts, comments, and activity inside the group

• But anyone on Facebook can find the group name, description, and see how many members it has

• And people who visit the group page (such as your friends or the public) may see your name and profile photo in the member list

This is a safe, supportive space — but we understand that some members prefer to keep their involvement private from friends, family, employers, or the wider Facebook community.

Here’s how you can protect your privacy and remain as anonymous as you wish outside the group.

---

🔐 What Is Visible to Non-Members?

Non-members (including your Facebook friends) cannot see:

• Any posts, comments, photos, or questions you share in the group

• Who you’re interacting with in the group

• What you react to or how often you post

But they can see:

• That you are a member of the group (if they visit the group page)

• Your name and profile picture in the group member list

• That the group is titled “National Aspergillosis Centre Support (UK)” — which some people prefer to keep private

---

✅ How to Protect Your Identity Outside the Group

1. 🧑‍💻 Use a Privacy-Conscious Name

You can use a shortened or modified version of your real name, such as:

• First name + middle name

• A shortened surname (e.g. Jane S. or Jo Samuel)

• A pseudonym that still sounds plausible

⚠️ Avoid completely fake names (e.g. “Invisible Fungus”) — Facebook may flag them.

---

2. 🖼️ Choose a Neutral Profile Picture

Instead of a facial photo, consider using:

• A photo of nature

• A quote or piece of artwork

• A blurred or abstract image

This helps maintain your privacy if someone visits the group member list.

---

3. 🔧 Adjust Your Facebook Privacy Settings

Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Privacy and update the following:

---

4. 👤 Hide the Group from Your Profile

Even though this is a private group, Facebook may show it on your profile under “Groups.”

To remove it:

• Go to your profile

• Scroll to the Groups section

• Click the three dots (…) next to “National Aspergillosis Centre Support (UK)”

• Select “Hide from profile”

---

5. 🙈 Use Anonymous Posting for Sensitive Questions (If Enabled)

We are exploring whether anonymous posting can be enabled in the group. When switched on:

• Other members see your post as “Anonymous Member”

• Admins and moderators can still see who posted for safety reasons

Let an admin know if this feature would be helpful for you.

---

6. 📱 Avoid Linking Your Activity to Outside Apps or Pages

• Don’t share group posts on your timeline (they won’t be visible, but it may confuse others)

• Avoid linking group activity to external apps (like Instagram or other health platforms)

• Use caution when interacting with group members on your public profile

---

🧾 Summary: Stay Anonymous Outside the Group

---

💬 Final Note from the Admin Team

We understand that aspergillosis is a sensitive condition, and you have every right to protect your identity while still seeking support. This group exists to help — safely, kindly, and confidentially. If you’re ever unsure about how your name or photo appears, or you need support to adjust your settings, please message one of the admin team privately. We’ll help however we can.

Path: Start » NAC & Guidance » Communities » 🕵️‍♀️ Protecting Your Privacy as a Member of National Aspergillosis Centre Support (UK)