Bluser

Bluser is a term used in discussions of online privacy to describe a user whose identity and personal attributes are intentionally blurred or obscured by platform design. Unlike anonymous accounts, a bluser retains a degree of traceability that is minimized through configurable privacy controls and dynamic identity practices, rather than removing identity entirely. The word is a portmanteau of blur and user and is encountered primarily in privacy research, design debates, and some cyberculture writings. There is no formal standard definition, and usage varies by author.

Typical characteristics include the use of pseudonyms or display names, limited persistent identifiers, avatar-based or abstract representations, and the ability to adjust data sharing, activity visibility, and data linkage across services. Bluser concepts often pair with privacy-by-design principles and data minimization strategies, employing techniques such as randomized timestamps, controlled data exposure, or ephemeral accounts.

Applications and implications: In design discussions, the bluser model helps explore how platforms can balance usability with privacy. It informs moderation challenges, as blurred identities can complicate accountability and abuse detection, while offering greater user control and protection from data profiling. It is also used in policy debates about default privacy settings and consent.

See also: anonymity, pseudonymity, privacy by design, data minimization, user profiling.