Allow users to set permissions for profile fields I would like users to be able to determine whether a field is displayed publicly. For example, their real name is required for the site, but I don't want to force users to display it.
Without information on what version of Drupal you are using or what you are using for profiles, here is a suggestion for each type of profile on Drupal 6:

Using the core profile module, check out Profile Privacy

Using Content Profile, take a look at CCK Privacy