Are family websites and online forums considered a means of maintaining kinship ties (silat al-rahm)? And is communicating and offering congratulations via the internet, without personal identification, sufficient for kinship ties to be considered established and acceptable?

Maintaining kinship ties is obligatory and can be achieved by any means, including electronic communication. However, direct communication is better. If a Muslim maintains kinship ties electronically, they should identify themselves to ensure mutual acquaintance and harmony. If they do not identify themselves but are recognized, that is better than cutting off ties.