Facebook announces major changes to 'real name' policy

Seventy-five activist groups wrote an open letter to Facebook criticising its 'real name' policy

A Facebook logo made up from pictures of users. Many teens are turning their back on the social network (Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images)

Facebook has announced it will be making extensive changes to its “real name” policy following criticism from civil liberties groups across the world.

The social media giant has always required users to sign up with their real names - the name their family and friends know them by - and, in the past, has checked their government ID if their identity was in doubt.

The policy, however, came under fire from many groups, including transgender campaigners, LGBT activists and Native Americans, who said labeling their accounts with their real names could put them in danger.

Facebook’s vice president, Justin Osofsky, and product manager, Todd George, have now announced major changes to its “real names system”, describing the new process as “more compassionate and easier to navigate”.

In a statement released on Wednesday Mr Osofsky and Mr George said: "Today, we will begin to test new tools that address two key goals.


 Screenshot of Facebook's new name report tool Facebook 
 (Facebook)

"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.”

The first tool will require anyone reporting a fake name to go through extra steps to provide more information about the report.

“This additional context will help our review teams better understand why someone is reporting a name, giving them more information about a specific situation,” said Mr Osofsky and Mr George.

The second change will mean any one asked to verify their name will be able to explain in more detail any “special circumstances” they may have.

“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."

In addition, Facebook will also allow people asked to verify their name access to their account for seven days while they complete any updates.

Additional security protections for documents people share when verifying their name will also be provided.


 Screenshot of Facebook's new name report tool Facebook 
 (Facebook)

The tools are currently being tested on a limited basis in the US but, based on feedback, will be extended globally.

In October, 75 activists groups – including human and digital rights advocates and LGBTQ campaigners – wrote an open letter to Facebook, criticising its real name policy and demanding the site “[allow] pseudonyms and non-legal names on its site in appropriate circumstances”.

The coalition also asked the site to make the way it asks people to confirm their identities easier and to be more transparent about how the process is run allowing for a proper appeals process if it goes wrong.