Help Center
Topic: Security
Can survey respondents be identified?
Help Center Security • Last updated: 12 August, 2025No, survey respondents cannot be identified in anonymous surveys unless specific identifying features are used. PaperSurvey is designed to protect respondent privacy by default.
How PaperSurvey protects anonymity
We protect respondent identities through several key measures:
- No metadata collection - We don't collect IP addresses, browser fingerprints, or device information
- Anonymous by design - Responses are stored without any connection to individual identities
- No tracking cookies - We don't use tracking technologies that could identify participants
This means that even survey creators cannot see who submitted which response in an anonymous survey.
Important exception: Tagged links
While standard survey links maintain complete anonymity, tagged links work differently:
- Tagged links allow survey creators to categorize responses by groups (e.g., location, department, event)
- If each respondent receives a unique tagged link, their responses could potentially be identified
- Tagged links are useful for legitimate research purposes but reduce anonymity
How to identify tagged links
Look for additional text after the survey URL:
Tagged links (may reduce anonymity):
papersurvey.io/s/survey/marketing-dept
papersurvey.io/s/survey/event-2024
papersurvey.io/s/testsurvey?tag=1234
papersurvey.io/s/testsurvey?tag=event-2025
Standard links (fully anonymous):
papersurvey.io/s/survey
papersurvey.io/s/testsurvey
Maintaining your anonymity
To ensure your responses remain anonymous:
- Check if the survey link contains tags or identifiers
- Avoid providing identifying information in open-text responses
- Don't include your name, email, or other personal details unless specifically required
Need to verify a survey's anonymity?
If you're concerned about the anonymity level of a specific survey, contact us through live chat with the survey link. We'll help you determine whether the survey maintains full anonymity or uses features that could identify respondents.
Remember: A truly anonymous survey means that no one, including the survey creator, can connect your responses back to you.
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