I can see how for some circumstances, this release of information can be tricky.
For example. Let’s say my coworker has not come out to the workplace but I look on the site and see that they are a sitter that does sits with their partner. But yet as a sitter you don’t want to hide who you are sitting with.
Or, for some parents, they don’t like to have their children’s names on the internet for their future.
There’s lots of little scenarios but complete privacy in this age seems impossible.
Oh, yes. I understand that it’s a privacy issue but I am afraid there is no point in “reporting” THS policy to THS.
If one needs more privacy, one can stay in a hotel. Sitters are quite anonymous, and they can “move” to a different location if they prefer.
It is more often that owners complain about lack of privacy. For them it is counterproductive to change location. They need to describe their home, with photos. It is the price they pay for getting sitters for free.
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You could possibly trim down the info and photos in your profile and provide it directly and privately to HO’s when you apply. But your reviews will still be available for anyone to read.
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I think it is an important subject. But the problem isn’t really that other sitters can see your account I think - because several members have a dual membership and are BOTH sitters AND hosts. And people you know can sign up also as hosts or know people who are.
I find it quite annoying that my personal data are available also to non-members and I do think that it would be both possible and have advantages to be able to choose whether a member wish to be visible online other than for members. This is done on other sites, for instance dating sites, where a member can choose whether one wish to be visible with photo outside the platform. I would certainly prefer that.
As it isn’t I am careful with what I share on my profile and I’ve made sure to use a profile-photo that can not be used for photo-search to link to my other data. Others go the other way and Connect to LinkedIn and AirBnB. It is all about choice and I support that THS should offer that choice. Many people, especially younger people are very mindful of their personal data (and rightfully so). Therefore I do think it can deter members the visibility online that you bring up. I noticed it myself when I thought about joining and it was a concern (and still is).
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On a bit of a side note, I always wince slightly when sitters mention an actual house name in their review. Whilst this is really helpful for me as a sitter interested in a potential sit, as a home owner advertising dates when I was planning to be away along with a listing which often gives the name of a village, it would just be a step too far in terms of security. I’ve also seen listings where the street sign and house number is visible in the exterior photo of the home. It just seems like asking for trouble, especially on a site where anyone can create a free account and browse listings.
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Unfortunately there is zero privacy on THS. Using Google anyone can find you and read your profile and track your travels/location, they don’t need to be a member. We had a stalker in the past so we never include our real location. On another site, where we are members, when not looking for sits you can set your profile to private, but that’s not possible on THS.
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@Flor3jaar I understand your concerns. I too would prefer my details to be available only to other members but I accept this as part of the deal when joining a public platform like THS… For me the pros outweigh the cons and I think openess within the THS community - i e being able to cross reference other profiles, whether host or sitter, and read whatever I want, especially reviews- is an essential feature of the site. This kind of transparency helps sitters and hosts make wise decisions for themselves.
I wonder what it is you feel the need to hide from friends/colleagues etc? As some members have said you could change your location to something more remote- make it less easy to track you. But if a friend/colleague was researching a sit, and you happened to be one of the past sitters, they would have direct access to your account!
The only element of privacy I have kept is not to link my THS profile to this forum. My forum name is a nickname and I never use my real name here. Linking your THS profile to the forum is optional and many choose not to link the two. The forum is really open- to everyone who joins it whether THS member or not! So it surprises me- given your privacy issues- that you sign off with your real name- so we all know your name is Sarah!
I honestly wouldn’t worry about it all too much- what’s the worst that can happen? And if it really does concern you then its better to end your membership. 
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