John Doe (internet)

John Doe is a generic placeholder name used to refer to an anonymous or unidentified person, especially in legal and online contexts. When the true identity of someone is not known or must be kept confidential, "John Doe" (or "Jane Doe" for females) is used to represent that individual. On the internet, "John Doe" often denotes a user or participant whose actual identity is hidden or unknown, helping discussions address privacy or unspecified persons without implying anything about their character or intentions.