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Original poster

Deletion of comments

4 replies

sleep5 · 28/02/2018 16:40

I asked Mumsnet to delete threads from a previous username as I was being harassed at work due to someone finding my username and sharing my very personal posting history with various colleagues. This has led to a significant amount of stress and me having to take time off work.

I thought that deleting my account would delete the comments but have found out that's not the case. MN have now told me they won't delete the comments as there is now no link from my email address to the MN username. The only proof I have is notification emails from MN for threads I'd posted to.

I find this hard to believe - does this mean we can post illegal content and have no way for MN to trace the linked email address if the account is deleted by the user?

How is this going to work with the new data protection/data erasure regulations that are coming into force in May?

OP posts:
MNHQ
HebeMumsnet · 28/02/2018 17:21

Hi there Sleep5,

We're really sorry we couldn't do more with this. We hope you understand though that it's actually about the protection and erasure of unused data. If we can't confirm that someone is who they say they are, we really can't discuss an account with them that could be anyone's.

Obviously we aren't accusing you of lying about this but we do have to be very careful about ensuring we fulfil all our responsibilities where data control is concerned. We know how annoying it is but we do have to take this kind of thing seriously.

Do you want to drop us another line in reply to the email we sent you and we can have a discussion off the boards? Again, we think it's best not to discuss the specifics of an account on a thread, but we'd love to have a further chat and see if we can find another way to help with this.

PeoplesNet · 22/02/2026 14:52

sleep5 · 28/02/2018 16:40

I asked Mumsnet to delete threads from a previous username as I was being harassed at work due to someone finding my username and sharing my very personal posting history with various colleagues. This has led to a significant amount of stress and me having to take time off work.

I thought that deleting my account would delete the comments but have found out that's not the case. MN have now told me they won't delete the comments as there is now no link from my email address to the MN username. The only proof I have is notification emails from MN for threads I'd posted to.

I find this hard to believe - does this mean we can post illegal content and have no way for MN to trace the linked email address if the account is deleted by the user?

How is this going to work with the new data protection/data erasure regulations that are coming into force in May?

Hey up - you should be able to edit your comments? Have a look. I found out I couldn't delete when I accidentally posted without quoting (so it didn't make sense) - I went to delete and had to edit instead to just a 'full stop'. I then added my comment again but quoting someone. This is a huge part of the problem with online businesses and organisations. You cannot easily resolve issues like this or get access to a real 3rd party person who has the authority to intervene. Where was the clear warning that comments could not be deleted? At least they seem willing to help you. Hope it got sorted.

BIWI · 22/02/2026 17:43

You can only edit your comments about 5-10 minutes after you've posted. After that you can't.

PeoplesNet · 22/02/2026 22:19

BIWI · 22/02/2026 17:43

You can only edit your comments about 5-10 minutes after you've posted. After that you can't.

Aaaah that's sad.. and another thing they haven't advertised well! Thanks for the heads up!

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