Facebook responds to ‘real name’ policy backlash
Facebook changes ‘Real Name’ policy rules after public outcry
Facebook changes “real name” policy
If you just read the headlines, you might think, “Wow, Facebook is finally getting rid of their effing “real name” policy. But you’d be wrong. They’re not getting rid of it at all – they’re only “tweaking it.” And that is still unacceptable to this privacy advocate.
Andrew Tarantola reports:
Facebook announced Friday that it is modifying the terms of its oft-criticised “real name” policy which demands users go by their “authentic name” when on the social network rather than a pseudonym. The trans and Native American communities have repeatedly protested the policy, citing its use by trolls as a weapon of harassment. Today’s announcement comes in response to an open letter penned by advocacy groups including the EFF and ACLU.
To that end, Facebook is making two primary changes. First, the site will now allow users to provide additional context and explanation for using the name they do when confirming their accounts. “This should help our Community Operations team better understand the situation,” VP of Growth Alex Schultz wrote in the announcement. “It will also help us better understand the reasons why people can’t currently confirm their name, informing potential changes we make in the future.”
Second, Facebook will also require users that flag others for employing alternate names to provide additional detail and information in their complaint.
Read more on Engadget.