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Facebook Responds to Criticism of 'Real Name' Policy — With Real Change
It’s the biggest change at Facebook since the social network introduced a wide variety of gender identifiers in recognition of the non-conforming users who don’t fit the traditional binary.
Facebook announced Friday its “real name” policy — which led to drag queens, drag kinds, transgender users and others who used aliases to be reported — is being changed, reported Gay Star News.
The new format, according to VP of Growth for Facebook, Alex Schultz, is for users to be able to use the names they’re known by, to friends, to family and fans.
“We also understand the challenges for many transgender people when it comes to formally changing one’s name,” Schultz wrote.
“That’s why we’re making changes now and in the future, and will continue to engage with you and all who are committed to looking after the most vulnerable people using our product.”
Facebook will now allow users to provide details on why they’ve chosen a certain name for their account if it’s not their legal name.
Facebook will now allow users who are flagged for using a possibly inauthentic name to be able to get back into their locked accounts more easily.
And the burden of proof will now be placed upon the people who flag a name as fake, according to Schultz. Those reporting an allegedly fake name will have to provide some evidence, in an effort to prevent trolling, a frequent complaint among trans users.
“We are deeply invested in making [this policy] better,’ Schultz wrote.
“I’ve seen first hand how people – including LGBT people – can be bullied online by people using fake or impersonating accounts.”
But the policy won’t be totally scrapped. Facebook’s “authentic identity” policy will be maintained. Schulz has said it reduces trolling by making people accountable for their actions online.
“When people use the name others know them by, they are more accountable for what they say, making it more difficult to hide behind an anonymous name to harass, bully, spam or scam someone else,” said Schulz.
Earlier this month, organizations including the ACLU and Electronic Frontier Foundation wrote an open letter to Facebook, asking for the policy to be changed to
“provide equal treatment and protection for all who use and depend on Facebook as central platform for online expression and communication.”
“It’s a balance to get this right,” Schultz wrote in reply. “We want to find a line that minimizes bullying but maximizes the potential for people to be their authentic selves on Facebook.”
Dawn Ennis
www.advocate.com/transgender/2015/11/01/facebook-responds-criticism-real-name-policy-real-change
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