On Privacy and Requiring Real Names in Social Networking

[crossfire]

Why Facebook and Google's Concept of 'Real Names' Is Revolutionary
Should you have to use your real name online? It's an issue that's long simmered among social media critics and supporters alike. On one end of the spectrum, there's 4chan, where everything is anonymous. On the other, there are Facebook and Google Plus. Both have drawn fire from for

Comments

[chasingtides]

I don't use my legal name anywhere.

Using my preferred name on Facebook was one of the first big ways of coming out, for me.

[origamicage]

Your preferred name is your real name. :) Forget the legal crap!

[anjak_j]

This.

For years I was tied to a legal name I fucking despised and never used. Finally being able to change my name legally to the name I'd been using since I was ten years old was a relief. But I totally agree that the name you identify with best is your real name and fuck the legalities.

[brewsternorth]

AFAICT the powers-that-be on G+ and FB consider one's use of a name other than the one on your government-issued ID or credit card to be akin to driving without insurance. You *can* do it, but if something goes wrong or you're caught out, you're SOL.

[beyondugliness]

Pretty much. I've known friends who've had their FB account deleted because they were using a fake name without showing their real name too.

[lastrega]

Yes, you absolutely can.

[rayiroth]

Never wanted a FB. Had my G+ account suspended solely because I wasn't using my legal name.

Deleted G+ pretty quickly and don't plan to use it again.

[seasontoseason]

how could google figure that out? why would they bother to try?

[rayiroth]

I was pretty undiscrete about it, I've gotta say. It is my online handle that people have known me as, but it's not very name-like.

On how they found and and why the bother to try - well, ask them. I guess farming my non-legal name is less profitable for Google?