What this guide is about
If you no longer want to be part of the Online Community, you have two options:
Delete your account – Removes all your posts and personal details.
Anonymise your account – Keeps your posts but removes your personal details.
This guide will help you choose the best option and explain how to download your posts before deleting your account.
Download your posts before deleting your account
If you want to keep a copy of your posts before deleting your account, follow these steps:
Click on your profile icon in the top right-hand corner of the page, then click on the grey person icon you will see a menu item called Preferences.
Scroll down and click Request archive.
A box will then appear asking you to confirm if you want to download it. Click Yes.
And then click OK.
You’ll receive a system notification when the file is ready to download.
Click on the system notification.
Then click on the blue ZIP file link to download your data.
Note: The download link is available for 48 hours, so be sure to download and save your file before it expires.
How to delete your account
You can delete your own account if you have made 1 post or less. If that applies to you, you can do it yourself by following these steps:
Click on your profile picture in the top right.
Then select the grey person icon and then click Preferences.
Scroll down and click Delete Account.
A popup will then appear asking you to confirm that you would like to delete your account. Click the Delete My Account button to confirm.
Once you do this, your account will be permanently deleted and cannot be restored.
Deleting your account if you have more than one post
If you have 2 or more posts, you cannot delete your account yourself, but we can help.
Option 1: Delete your account (removes everything)
What this means:
Your profile, personal details and account data will be permanently deleted.
Your username and posts will no longer appear in the Online Community.
This action cannot be undone, so be sure before making your request.
You also have another option if you want your posts, messages and content to remain, but not your account, you can choose to anonymise it instead.
Anonymising your account
Option 2: Anonymise your account (removes your name, keeps your posts)
All your personal details (name, email, profile information) will be permanently anonymised by the system, removing any identifiable information from your account.
Your username will be replaced with a randomly generated one, such as "anonymous56966" or "anonymous67890".
All your posts and comments will remain visible in the community, but they will no longer be linked to your identity.
This action cannot be undone, once your account is anonymised, we cannot restore your original username or details and you will not be able to log in to that account.
This option allows your contributions to continue helping others while removing any connection to you.
How to request account deletion or anonymisation
If you’d like to proceed with either option, please contact the team through the Service desk with your request. Let us know whether you prefer full deletion or anonymisation. If you would like to join the Online Community again, you will have to create a new account.
We are sorry to see you go, but hope the time you have spent on the Online Community has been helpful.
Need more help?
If you have any trouble using these shortcuts, feel free to ask for help in the Online Community or submit a request through our Service Desk.