DESPITE major controversy and criticism, Facebook has held fast to its real name policy.
However, following worldwide lobbying from civil liberty groups, the social media giant has decided to relax or review the policy which requires that it’s users use their legal names on the site. The policy was created to protect the platform’s users from scamsters, paedophiles and bullies and also to hold users accountable for their actions. It was argued that anonymity provided opportunities for illicit behaviour.
But the policy has also left other individuals vulnerable, particularly the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
Now Facebook has opted to make two major changes to the enforcement of the policy. According to vice-president of growth, Alex Schultz, the site will firstly allow users to ‘provide more information about their circumstances’ and to ‘give additional details or context of their unique situation’.
Secondly, people who flag others for allegedly using fake names will be asked to provide more context and reasoning before completing the process.
It is hoped that this will prevent others from using the policy as a harassment tool and prevent innocent peoples’ accounts from being suspended.
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