Facebook gets more lenient with the use of nicknames

Facebook is going to be more lenient towards users who want to use the social networking site with a ‘nickname’. This gives users the opportunity to explain why they use a particular name. However, the site continues to require ‘authentic’ names to be used.

According to Facebook, people must use the name by which they are known to friends and family, and this policy will not change. However, it should eventually become easier to use a nickname. In a letter published on Scribd, Facebook CEO Alex Schultz says his company will ask for names to be confirmed less often. Should a request come in from Facebook to confirm the name, it should make it easier for users to do so.

This gives users the opportunity to explain their name, so that they can give context and explain why they use a certain name, or why they cannot confirm their existing Facebook name. Also, under the new policy, it should be easier to explain why someone wants to change their name. Users no longer have to show official identity papers, but e-mails, bank statements, or other documents that show that the Facebook name is actually used will suffice.

At the same time, Facebook will ask for more information from people who report someone else for abuse. In the future, they will have to explain why they are reporting a particular profile, something that should probably help reduce the abuse of the option.

The proposed changes are likely to take effect in December. However, the company behind the social networking site doesn’t want people to post anonymously, something privacy advocates had asked for. For example, it would not be safe for everyone to post on the social networking site under his or her real name. Facebook, on the other hand, argues that the use of pseudonyms encourages bullying.