By controlling the identity of the speaker with this policy, Facebook has the effect of both reducing speech and eliminating speakers from the platform altogether. This is a particularly concerning move because forums like Facebook serve as the modern-day equivalent of the public square for a lot of communities. The company is conflating authenticity with accountability. Facelessness can beget som
e pretty disgusting behavior (of course it’s worth noting anonymity and pseudonymity are not the same things), and it makes sense that people would behave themselves when their identities are attached to their actions. But behavior on the Internet is fraught and murky, with some suggesting malicious behavior actually has very little to do with anonymity. Facebook has not provided any data suggesting the authentic name policy is reducing online behaviors such as bullying and harassment. If authenticity is so important for maintaining a safe environment, why not require ID from everyone at sign up? Even now, it’s totally possible to create a Facebook account with a totally bogus name. Facebook says it likes to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. That is, until it takes the word of some anonymous user over yours. F**k this, punk rock. 2. My account was suspended before they asked me to prove my name.
3. Why not require ID at sign-up? 4. Some people don't identify with their birth name. In some cultures nicknames are their "real" name. 5. I'm pretty sure Kid Rock isn't his real name. 6. What if I did use my real name and it was reported? Like the last line said, they're taking an anonymous reporting over me and suspending my profile.
