You can use any name on Facebook. Many people don’t like creating accounts on social media using their real names because of a number of reasons. Unfortunately, social media users are using fake names to stalk and blackmail other users.
Facebook is relaxing its rules for how people identify themselves. The network will allow users to use familiar names. In addition, Facebook said it would make it harder for harassers to ask Facebook to disable users’ accounts.
“On Facebook, we require people to use the name their friends and family know them by. When people use the names they are known by, their actions and words carry more weight because they are more accountable for what they say. It also makes it harder for bullies to anonymously smear the reputations of others, or anyone else to use an anonymous name to harass, scam or engage in criminal behavior.
We recognize that it’s also important that this policy works for everyone, especially for communities who are marginalized or face discrimination,” Facebook wrote.
Facebook would like to make sure the system favors everyone across the globe even the marginalized communities. Some communities and countries are discriminated on social media forcing Facebook to reach out and lay a favoring foundation for everyone.
“We will begin to test new tools that address two key goals. First, we want to reduce the number of people who are asked to verify their name on Facebook when they are already using the name people know them by. Second, we want to make it easier for people to confirm their name if necessary. These tools have been built based on many conversations with community leaders and safety organizations around the world.” Facebook said.
The company introduced a new version of name reporting process where visitors will have to give reasons why they are reporting a name.”In the past, people were able to simply report a fake name but now they will be required to go through several new steps that provide us more specifics about the report.” The company explained. The company believes the new system will ease their work when reviewing reports.
“We’re also testing a new tool that will let people provide more information about their circumstances if they are asked to verify their name. People can let us know they have a special circumstance, and then give us more information about their unique situation. This additional information will help our review teams better understand the situation so they can provide more personalized support. This information will also help inform potential improvements we can make in the future.” Facebook wrote.