i think what youre referring to is AA's 12th tradition, which other 12 step recovery programs have used the same traditions. tradition 12:
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
long form:
And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of anonymity has an immense spiritual significance. It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.
its referring to the principle of anonymity. to not break anyone elses anonymity( to tell people who is and isnt in AA) and also not stand on a rooftop shouting to the world we are in AA.
heres a PDf of the 12&12 book with a longer description of all of the traditions
http://www.portlandeyeopener.com/AA-...Traditions.pdf