Originally Posted by
awax
A fake email address and VPN don't hide your MAC address and that's what I'd be concerned about. If you've ever connected to a United WiFi network with the same device that you access APC and done so without a VPN, guess what? They have your MAC address.
With server logs it's easy to tie a forum username to a device. Most of the tools are automated, so given a server log, it would be like running a "Find" search in Word. It's not rocket science, for a motivated party - like a well funded legal department - your identity is on this forum is discoverable. The "authorities" I'd be concerned with are not law enforcement, but a judge who signed a subpoena compelling Internet Brands (the parent company of APC) to furnish user data.
Based on the recent message from the union that "they don't need helper pilots" conducting wildcat actions coupled with the reality that your identity is discoverable, being deliberate with your posts is probably a good thing.
Not that it matters but most newish android devices automatically randomize your MAC address every time you connect to any wifi connection. That would make it nearly impossible for anyone to look at forum data and know who's android device it came from. Especially using a VPN as well.