Google+ to Stop Enforcing Real Names
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In a bit of a reversal, Google+ will reportedly be moving away from its strict real name policy and allow users to use pseudonyms. The news was apparently relayed by Google social chief Vic Gundotra himself. There is no timeline for the change, but it is likely tied to the user verification program.
Google caused a bit of a stir when it announced that all Google+ users would have to use their real names. The company even began booting people that it thought were not following the rules. That led to some people being wrongly suspended. But just recently, Google began verifying accounts for public figures, and promised the little people a method to get verified in the future.
We suspect that the change to allowing pseudonyms will take place around the time that regular users can get verified. This way, people can still have conversations with others, and know they are who they claim to be, but another group can go about its business being anonymous. How do you feel about this change?
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ChatterboxChuck
October 20, 2011 at 10:49am
You are all funny, you use the Internet and then worry about someone having all your info. Unless you are a true hacker and have the knowledge to keep your info offline and out of the hands of those who would try to get it, your info will be out there regardless.
Get over it already. If someone wants your info, they will get it, online or not.
bloodgain
October 20, 2011 at 11:26am
You don't even have to use the Internet for your info to be on it. Your information is out there whether you are or not. Unless you're a hermit with no history, somebody has your information on a web-connected server.
livebriand
October 19, 2011 at 4:01pm
Guys, just use fake info, how will they know? As for a texting number for verification, just use textfree, and there ya go. (youtube now requires it, I imagine Google+ does too)
haboh
October 19, 2011 at 3:23pm
Pretty sure I just gave a completely made up phone number. And my name is not real but they didn't seem to notice or care anyway
RUSENSITIVESWEETNESS
October 19, 2011 at 3:08pm
You have to give a phone number just to get an account, so they probably already have your name, address, social security, credit history--basically everything there is to know about you. Google's goal is to own humanity or something. I don't see this being much of an obstacle.
thetechchild
October 19, 2011 at 8:44pm
Don't see how the SSN factors in, since that's pretty much illegal.
The name, address, and credit history are available somewhere online no matter what, so I don't find the idea of Google knowing those to be unlikely at all.
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