Bimmerpost
3
/
4 Series
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BIMMERPOST Universal Forums Off-Topic Discussions Board Blurring plates: The internet cannot steal your horsepower

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-14-2019, 04:55 PM   #1
zentanker
Private First Class
zentanker's Avatar
205
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2016 M Sport 228i Mineral Grey
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Central Texas

iTrader: (0)

Blurring plates: The internet cannot steal your horsepower

For years I've struggled with this: what is the point of blurring / blacking out a license plate unless you're making a pic or vid doing something illegal?

Obviously, when driving in public exposing that same plate to untold numbers of strangers is acceptable, but a pic on the internet is somehow risky? As if the strangers on the road, at bus stops, and walking along sidewalks are somehow more trustworthy than those people with internet access? Oh, wait... all those people probably have internet access too. oops

Help me understand. Every time I see a nice car picture with a blurred license plate it's like looking at a supermodel with a hanging booger. Why!?
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2019, 04:57 PM   #2
UncleWede
Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner
UncleWede's Avatar
United_States
17874
Rep
9,376
Posts

Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Oxnard, CA

iTrader: (0)

I don't have my screen name, or any related details, plastered on my cars.
Appreciate 1
      03-14-2019, 05:02 PM   #3
zentanker
Private First Class
zentanker's Avatar
205
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2016 M Sport 228i Mineral Grey
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Central Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleWede View Post
I don't have my screen name, or any related details, plastered on my cars.

the "wede" got you a little paranoid?
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2019, 05:14 PM   #4
TheWatchGuy
Colonel
TheWatchGuy's Avatar
3905
Rep
2,524
Posts

Drives: 335xi
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: CO

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by zentanker View Post
For years I've struggled with this: what is the point of blurring / blacking out a license plate unless you're making a pic or vid doing something illegal?

Obviously, when driving in public exposing that same plate to untold numbers of strangers is acceptable, but a pic on the internet is somehow risky? As if the strangers on the road, at bus stops, and walking along sidewalks are somehow more trustworthy than those people with internet access? Oh, wait... all those people probably have internet access too. oops

Help me understand. Every time I see a nice car picture with a blurred license plate it's like looking at a supermodel with a hanging booger. Why!?
most people prefer not to doxx themself on the internet
__________________
@drunkcowatches on ig

Am I a watch guy, or do i watch guys?
Appreciate 7
2000cs3445.50
N54Yankee2706.00
MKSixer34171.50
minn1913970.00
King Rudi13152.00
jmg18493.00
      03-14-2019, 05:19 PM   #5
2000cs
Captain
3446
Rep
1,004
Posts

Drives: Potato
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: USA

iTrader: (1)

Was just looking on FB at a post where the OP needed to identify a vehicle driven by a suspected thief. His posse identified the license plate from the photos and then posted make/model/year of the vehicle. Short jump to the ID of the owner. Obviously your plate number is publicly visible locally; do you want that on a global platform (Internet)?
Appreciate 4
cmyx6go15561.50
King Rudi13152.00
P111541.50
      03-14-2019, 06:04 PM   #6
xQx
General
Australia
903
Rep
1,003
Posts

Drives: 2008 BMW 135i (E88 N54 6AT)
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Sunshine Coast QLD Australia

iTrader: (0)

So, I speak pretty openly about the mods I have on my car using my screen name. If I post my car with it's tags on the Internet, it links the license plate to my online history.

This causes a few risks, which are avoided by blurring the plates:
  1. If any of my mods are illegal, some concerned citizen might alert the local police.
  2. More people than you'd think can reverse lookup tags to owner address - so they may target stealing my car knowing it's part-out value is far above stock
  3. A small risk of identity theft. I've just handed the world-at-large another personally identifiable piece of information that I don't have to.
Appreciate 2
minn1913970.00
      03-14-2019, 06:28 PM   #7
P1
Lieutenant General
P1's Avatar
11542
Rep
11,128
Posts

Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: United States

iTrader: (1)

There is more risk. Once it’s on the internet, it’s permanent. Information can spread in a very quick manner. Plus there are folks on here than can run plates and track those back to personal information.
Appreciate 8
TXSTYLE13653.00
minn1913970.00
nyalpine907383.00
cmyx6go15561.50
King Rudi13152.00
bimmette6452.50
jmg18493.00
      03-14-2019, 07:32 PM   #8
UncleWede
Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner
UncleWede's Avatar
United_States
17874
Rep
9,376
Posts

Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Oxnard, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by zentanker View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleWede View Post
I don't have my screen name, or any related details, plastered on my cars.

the "wede" got you a little paranoid?
Cali so not really

It the first 4 of my last name - that's my story and I'm sticking to it
__________________
I have romped on her and I giggled like a drunk infant the entire time. - Sedan_Clan
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2019, 07:37 PM   #9
zentanker
Private First Class
zentanker's Avatar
205
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2016 M Sport 228i Mineral Grey
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Central Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleWede View Post
Cali so not really

It the first 4 of my last name - that's my story and I'm sticking to it

fair enough.
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2019, 07:41 PM   #10
zentanker
Private First Class
zentanker's Avatar
205
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2016 M Sport 228i Mineral Grey
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Central Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWatchGuy View Post
most people prefer not to doxx themself on the internet

Here, I'm going to "dox" myself.



You know what's going to happen to me? Nothing. Nothing at all.


I'm not scared. Why are you?
Appreciate 2
Torgus3779.00
      03-14-2019, 07:44 PM   #11
UncleWede
Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner
UncleWede's Avatar
United_States
17874
Rep
9,376
Posts

Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Oxnard, CA

iTrader: (0)

Should be more worried that there is even a plate on the front
__________________
I have romped on her and I giggled like a drunk infant the entire time. - Sedan_Clan
Appreciate 3
aozer994.50
Zing577.50
      03-14-2019, 07:48 PM   #12
zentanker
Private First Class
zentanker's Avatar
205
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2016 M Sport 228i Mineral Grey
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Central Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleWede View Post
Should be more worried that there is even a plate on the front

Believe me, I wish it was not a requirement because it really detracts from the aesthetics of the front. Notice that I used a tow hook plate mount because I just couldn't bring myself to drill holes in my bumper.
Appreciate 1
      03-14-2019, 08:02 PM   #13
Teufelshund
Private First Class
Teufelshund's Avatar
United_States
153
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2019 X6 xDrive35i
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: North Carolina

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by zentanker View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleWede View Post
Should be more worried that there is even a plate on the front

Believe me, I wish it was not a requirement because it really detracts from the aesthetics of the front. Notice that I used a tow hook plate mount because I just couldn't bring myself to drill holes in my bumper.
If you have to have one, that's the way to wear it. Nicely done.
BTW, appreciate your service brother.
__________________
2011 328i (turned-in); 2012 Z4-28i (traded); 2013 X5-35d (traded); 2014 228i (traded); 2015 X5-50i (traded); 2017 X1-28i (traded); 2018 X1-28i (traded); 2018 330i(current); 2019 X6-35i (current)
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2019, 08:08 PM   #14
roastbeef
Lieutenant General
roastbeef's Avatar
United_States
11572
Rep
12,711
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (4)

there is less risk than people think. license plates are just about worthless information.
__________________
Instagram; @roastbeefmike
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2019, 08:13 PM   #15
zentanker
Private First Class
zentanker's Avatar
205
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2016 M Sport 228i Mineral Grey
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Central Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Teufelshund View Post
If you have to have one, that's the way to wear it. Nicely done.
BTW, appreciate your service brother.

I wish I could have done more. I honestly don't think I did enough. I have family and friends that aren't around now. Much love to all service members.

Last edited by zentanker; 03-14-2019 at 08:20 PM..
Appreciate 5
minn1913970.00
LGWGN249.50
      03-14-2019, 08:18 PM   #16
roastbeef
Lieutenant General
roastbeef's Avatar
United_States
11572
Rep
12,711
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by zentanker View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Teufelshund View Post
If you have to have one, that's the way to wear it. Nicely done.
BTW, appreciate your service brother.

I wish I could have done more. I honestly don't think I did enough. I have family and friends that did more than me and paid more and are not around to comment.
There are things you can do to make it less ugly. I'm partial to RHO-plate tow hook mounts because you can angle them to be flush with the car. Also, put a color matched frame on it- it helps it not look so huge.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Instagram; @roastbeefmike
Appreciate 1
zentanker205.00
      03-14-2019, 08:27 PM   #17
zentanker
Private First Class
zentanker's Avatar
205
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2016 M Sport 228i Mineral Grey
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Central Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by roastbeef View Post
There are things you can do to make it less ugly. I'm partial to RHO-plate tow hook mounts because you can angle them to be flush with the car. Also, put a color matched frame on it- it helps it not look so huge.

Good talk.


I like it!


Link to plate frame?
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2019, 08:37 PM   #18
Teufelshund
Private First Class
Teufelshund's Avatar
United_States
153
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2019 X6 xDrive35i
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: North Carolina

iTrader: (1)

I'm flying a vanity tag on the front of my X5 due to its previous life in a nanny state. Removed the plate holder as soon as I got it home and revealed two huge, burred-up, irregular holes. Back on it went, lol.
__________________
2011 328i (turned-in); 2012 Z4-28i (traded); 2013 X5-35d (traded); 2014 228i (traded); 2015 X5-50i (traded); 2017 X1-28i (traded); 2018 X1-28i (traded); 2018 330i(current); 2019 X6-35i (current)
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2019, 09:08 PM   #19
roastbeef
Lieutenant General
roastbeef's Avatar
United_States
11572
Rep
12,711
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by zentanker View Post
Good talk.


I like it!


Link to plate frame?
bimmian is good for quality painted parts like license plate frames. looks like they have mineral grey, too.

https://bimmian.com/painted-license-plate-frame/
__________________
Instagram; @roastbeefmike
Appreciate 1
zentanker205.00
      03-14-2019, 09:15 PM   #20
FriedPiston
Colonel
United_States
1968
Rep
2,711
Posts

Drives: Scraper
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: East Oakland, CA

iTrader: (26)

Some of you guys need to take a crash course in Cyber Security and Internet Privacy. That should help explain why you want to maintain every bit of anonymity from people with malicious intent. You'd be surprise what someone with a lot of time their hands can do with a little amount of information from an unsuspecting target... This is no different than properly setting your Privacy Settings from companies like Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo and the list goes on.

If you believe that no harm will come to you by sharing more information than needed, then why not leave your home address and phone number in your signature since you're already giving this out by posting your license plate.
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2019, 09:34 PM   #21
zentanker
Private First Class
zentanker's Avatar
205
Rep
157
Posts

Drives: 2016 M Sport 228i Mineral Grey
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Central Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by nars3000 View Post
Some of you guys need to take a crash course in Cyber Security and Internet Privacy. That should help explain why you want to maintain every bit of anonymity from people with malicious intent. You'd be surprise what someone with a lot of time their hands can do with a little amount of information from an unsuspecting target... This is no different than properly setting your Privacy Settings from companies like Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo and the list goes on.

If you believe that no harm will come to you by sharing more information than needed, then why not leave your home address and phone number in your signature since you're already giving this out by posting your license plate.

You haven't convinced me. Bring it.
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2019, 09:45 PM   #22
roastbeef
Lieutenant General
roastbeef's Avatar
United_States
11572
Rep
12,711
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by nars3000 View Post
Some of you guys need to take a crash course in Cyber Security and Internet Privacy. That should help explain why you want to maintain every bit of anonymity from people with malicious intent. You'd be surprise what someone with a lot of time their hands can do with a little amount of information from an unsuspecting target... This is no different than properly setting your Privacy Settings from companies like Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo and the list goes on.

If you believe that no harm will come to you by sharing more information than needed, then why not leave your home address and phone number in your signature since you're already giving this out by posting your license plate.
A phone number is not information displayed when a plate is ran.

I get it, why surrender more info than needed? The fact is, it takes significant effort to obtain r/o info from a plate. Even then, it is simply a name and address of the r/o. Nothing else.
__________________
Instagram; @roastbeefmike

Last edited by roastbeef; 03-14-2019 at 09:51 PM..
Appreciate 1
zentanker205.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:47 AM.




g20
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST