Facebook is testing changes to its controversial “real names” policy, in an attempt to improve the experience of transgendered and aboriginal users who feel they have been discriminated against.
The real names policy required that users go by their “authentic name,” rather than a pseudonym, when using the social media site. The policy has been widely slammed by transgender and First Nations users posting under a name other than their legal one.
READ MORE: Facebook apologizes to drag performers for ‘real names’ policy
Users will now be able to provide additional context and explanation for using their preferred name when confirming their accounts.
Additionally, anyone who flags another user for using an alternate name will now be required to provide additional detail about their complaint. The social network hopes this will dissuade people from reporting profiles without just cause. If a profile is flagged for using a fake name, the user is locked out until they can confirm their identity with Facebook.
The changes were first announced in November, in response to an open letter written by a number of advocacy groups slamming the social network for being discriminatory; however, the social network announced Wednesday the changes are being tested with users in the U.S.
The changes will roll out globally based on user feedback.
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While Facebook does not technically require users to go by their legal names on the site, the site does require users to go by “a name other people know them by.”
Facebook has defended the real names policy saying that it makes the platform safer by holding people accountable for what they say online.
“We are deeply invested in making this better. I’ve seen firsthand how people — including LGBT people — can be bullied online by people using fake or impersonating accounts. At the same time, I’ve walked with our head of Community Operations at Pride in San Francisco, and heard the feedback from the LGBT and other communities that our policy and tools aren’t enabling people to be their authentic selves on Facebook,” said Alex Schultz, vice president of growth at Facebook, said of the changes in November.
“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.”
In 2014, the social network was forced to apologize to drag performers and the transgender community for deleting accounts that used drag names instead of legal names.
Last month, several users claimed the social network suspended their accounts after flagging their aboriginal names as “not authentic.”
In March, Facebook changed language in the real names policy. In the update,Facebook clarified that users do not have to use their legal name in their profile, but asked that users go by their “authentic identity” – the name they choose to go by.
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