14 DAY TRIAL // Facebook has had a change of heart when it comes to its draconian real name policy it's been enforcing since the social network's creation.
From today forward, users who, for various reasons, cannot use their real names now have an avenue of appeal, and Facebook will be more lenient when deciding whether to allow users to continue using fake names over their real ones.
First signs of an upcoming change were seen this October, when the network started backing down on enforcing this policy in the LGBTQ community, subject to widespread abuse after gay marriages were legalized in the US, and even before.
Back then, Facebook said it would grant seven days for users with name disputes to update their name, as an alternative to shutting down the accounts right away. Civil rights groups weren't satisfied, since users were still, eventually, forced back to use their real name and thus exposed to abuse from other Facebook users.
Now, after two months of intense work, the company is also deploying a new system for reporting persons with fake names, and another one where reported accounts can justify their reasons.
This system will be available in the US for the moment, and following a test period, it will ship out internationally.
Facebook is launching a new fake name reporting system
The new name reporting system requires that people who make fake name reports provide more details about each reported account. The reporting interface shows different options for distinguishing between fictional characters and the accounts of real people, which will make it easier for Facebook's reviewers.
On the other side of the barricade, a person who has had their account name contested can still access it for a week, during which they can provide details about their name choices.
Besides a copy of their ID, to prove their real identity, account owners can also provide written explanations, in which they can make their cases and thus be allowed to keep using the fake name.
Previously, this used to be an automated process, and users were offered the option to use their real name (based on an ID scan they provide) or have their account blocked.
"On Facebook, we require people to use the name their friends and family know them by. [...] We’re firmly committed to this policy, and it is not changing," said Facebook in a statement. "After hearing feedback from our community, we recognize that it’s also important that this policy works for everyone, especially for communities who are marginalized or face discrimination."
Basically, Facebook's new tools will simplify the process of reporting fake names as well as the process of explaining why some people use fake names, but it won't guarantee them the right to use them. Except for well-documented cases.
