The Journal for Information Professionals
Asia Pacific Journal of Information Systems (APJIS), a Scopus and ABDC indexed journal, is a
flagship journal of the information systems (IS) field in the Asia Pacific region.
ISSN 2288-5404 (Print) / ISSN 2288-6818 (Online)
Editor : Youngsok Bang
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Current Issue
| Date | September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Vol. No. | Vol. 36 No. 3 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.14329/apjis.2026.36.3.675 |
| Page | 675~693 |
| Title | Partial Identifiability and Online Behavior: Evidence from a Geolocation Disclosure Policy on Sina Weibo* |
| Author | Xiuyan Pei, Zidong Li, Youngsok Bang |
| Keyword | IP-based Geolocation Disclosure, Partial Identifiability, Online Anonymity, User Engagement, Commenting Behavior, Local Projection |
| Abstract | This study examines how online behavior changed following the April 2022 introduction of IP-based geolocation disclosure on Sina Weibo. Unlike full identity disclosure, geolocation disclosure reveals an identity-relevant but indirect cue, making users partially identifiable while preserving substantial anonymity. Using 2,245,780 comments associated with 36,470 posts, we analyze post-policy changes in comment sentiment, comment length, comment volume, and repost volume. Observed comment sentiment is more positive after implementation, with larger post-policy increases in institutional-account contexts and among verified commenters. We find no statistically significant changes in comment length, comment volume, or repost volume. Horizon-specific estimates indicate that several responses are concentrated near implementation or evolve non-monotonically. Overall, the evidence is clearest for expressive tone. The sentiment response varies across interaction contexts, while several outcomes exhibit temporal heterogeneity. |
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