Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-27131899-20191031120444/@comment-9605025-20191031170721

Tupka217 wrote: Sockpuppeting is a Terms of Use violation.

... Just to clarify, the ToU don't explicitly mention sockpuppeting. However, they do have these two bullet points: ...

User Conduct

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You further agree:

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 * Not to forge headers, or manipulate source identifiers or otherwise attempt to disguise the origin of any content made available via the Service;

You will not:

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 * bypass any measures we may use to prevent or restrict access to the Site, including robot exclusion headers.

... Here is the definition of a sockpuppet according to Wikipedia: A sockpuppet is an online identity used for purposes of deception. The term, a reference to the manipulation of a simple hand puppet made from a sock, originally referred to a false identity assumed by a member of an Internet community who spoke to, or about, themselves while pretending to be another person.

The term now includes other misleading uses of online identities, such as those created to praise, defend or support a person or organization, to manipulate public opinion, or to circumvent a suspension or ban from a website. A significant difference between the use of a pseudonym and the creation of a sockpuppet is that the sockpuppet poses as an independent third-party unaffiliated with the main account operator. Sockpuppets are unwelcome in many online communities and forums.

... So one can reasonably argue that, by definition, sockpuppetting violates the ToU. To be clear though, this does not mean users cannot have multiple accounts. The key aspect here is the purpose of the alternate account.