# Profiles

Profiles are the public or semi-public representation of an AeThex identity.

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  <h2>Profile role</h2>
  <p>Profiles help people and systems recognize identity without exposing private account data.</p>
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A profile is connected to [[Passport]], but it is not the same as authentication credentials. Profiles may include display names, avatars, public links, project associations, contribution history, or community context depending on platform settings.

## Profile data

- Display identity and avatar.
- Public bio or ecosystem role.
- Linked project or organization context.
- Public contribution signals.
- Optional linked accounts, when user-approved.

## Privacy guidance

1. Keep private account fields out of public profiles.
2. Let users control optional public information.
3. Separate profile visibility from authentication status.
4. Avoid exposing internal IDs unless needed for developers.

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<a class="docs-card" href="/Passport">Passport</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/Linked-Accounts">Linked Accounts</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/Security">Security</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/Policies">Policies</a>
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