Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for protecting a user's identity by automatically replacing all identity-indicating information in messages with aliases. Users may input real name/alias pairs into a web form to be stored in a database. Any content that USER-A posts will appear unmodified to users to which USER-A has granted permission. When a user who has not been granted permission views USER-A's content, the user will see a modified version of the content. In this case, any and all instances of USER-A's stored real names in USER-A's content will be replaced with USER-A's corresponding aliases.