'Nameless Coalition' Challenges Facebook's Real-Name Policy

A number of digital and human rights organizations have formed a coalition to challenge Facebook's real-name policy. The social media site requires users to register using the name they are most often referred to in real life—what they refer to as users' "authentic identities."

Under the current policy, Facebook can request a user change their account name, as well as ask for photographic identification to confirm a user's real name, and suspend accounts until the requested information has been given.

In an open letter sent on Monday, the 'Nameless Coalition', which is made up of organizations including Access, Human Rights Watch and the Transgender Law Center, called for Facebook to "fix its broken" system, saying that it is "culturally biased and technically flawed."

In June, Facebook announced a number of updates to their real-name policy, after consulting with LGBT community members. However, while the identification requirements have been loosened and users retain access to their profiles whilst Facebook investigates, the real-name policy still exists.

Peter Micek, a senior policy counsel at Access, an international human rights organization that defends digital rights, said in an email sent to Newsweek, to explain the group's involvement in the letter. "We have united with the Nameless Coalition to say Facebook's changes aren't enough, that people are still put at risk by the policy and its arbitrary and insecure enforcement. Facebook should securely protect personal data, and allow fair exceptions that keep people out of danger."

Multiple examples of those who have been affected by Facebook's real-name policy are listed in an appendix to the open letter. These include Native Americans, those with Irish and Scottish names, journalists, human rights activists, LGBT activists, transgender people, drag queens and sexual abuse victims.

In October last year Facebook's Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox issued an apology after a prominent drag queen named Sister Roma was blocked from the social media site until she changed her name.

"I want to apologize to the affected community of drag queens, drag kings, transgender and extensive community of our friends, neighbors and members of the LGBT community for the hardship that we've put you through in dealing with your Facebook accounts over the past few weeks," wrote Cox. "We've had this policy for over 10 years, and until recently it's done a good job of creating a safe community without inadvertently harming groups like what happened here."

Facebook's real-name policy has also been problematic for people with non-Western names, including members of Native American community and those with Irish and Scottish Gaelic names.

In August The Irish Post reported the case of Laoiseach Ní Choisdealbha from Galway, Ireland, who chose to use her Irish language name on Facebook. When Facebook requested that she provide proof that she was using her real name, and she failed to respond, her account was closed. As her name appears as Lucy Costello on her birth certificate, Facebook only allows her to use that name.

A Facebook spokesperson confirmed to The Verge that the Nameless Coalition's letter had been received. "While we know not everyone likes this approach, our policy against fake names helps make Facebook a safer place by enabling us to detect accounts created for malicious purposes," the representative said. "It makes it harder, for example, for terrorist organizations to hide behind fake profiles, school bullies to anonymously smear the reputations of others, or anyone else to use an anonymous name to harass, scam or engage in criminal behavior."

Facebook did not respond to Newsweek's request for further comment.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer

Nick Winchester

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go