Following criticism, Facebook introduces changes to ‘real names’ policy

It’s been a problem for plenty of others, too.

The social network has been widely criticized by many who have very legitimate, normal reasons to use a name that differs from what they’re officially called.

Face the facts: You have to use your real name on Facebook.

Alex Schultz, Facebook’s vice president of growth, explained the changes in a letter today after the company received an organized complaint from members of the LGBT community, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and other activist and advocacy groups who say the real name policy is still overly simplified and technically flawed.

To make the process easier, users who have been flagged for name reasons will be able to submit a few context related to their name, adding details if necessary. Back in June, Facebook stopped the process that required legal documentation to have a particular name on the social network.

We do not require people to use their legal names on Facebook. Now, users will be given the opportunity to write to Facebook’s Community Operations team to explain their name choice. If all goes as planned, these changes will be arriving this upcoming December.

“Facebook maintains a system that disregards the circumstances of users in countries with low levels of internet penetration, exposes its users to danger, disrespects the identities of its users, and curtails free speech”, said their joint letter sent to Facebook earlier this month.

Schultz wrote in his reply: ‘It’s a balance to get this right – we want to find a line that minimizes bullying but maximises the potential for people to be their authentic selves on Facebook, ‘ he said. Reporting another user for using an alleged fake name will now require more information to prove the authenticity of the claim.

Despite the introduction of these changes, Facebook is not backing away from the policy, which Schultz argued is making Facebook a safer place. There are plenty of cases – for example, a woman leaving an abusive relationship and trying to avoid her violent ex-husband – where preventing the ex-husband from creating profiles with fake names and harassing her is important.

While the company still won’t commit to allowing pseudonyms, it has made a decision to introduce process improvements for those who are unfairly removed from the service for using a name by which people know them.