Anyone who has a Facebook profile must reveal her identity to the Facebook community. The site's policy requires you to enter both a first and last name, which will show up on your profile and next to any post you leave on Facebook. Trying to skirt the rules may result in account suspension by Facebook administrators.
Name Format
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Facebook requires all users to submit their first and last names when they create an account. The site does not permit users to use initials in the place of either their first or last names. If you are using a nickname that is clearly derived from your real name, such as "Jake" from "Jacob," Facebook considers it an acceptable addition to your name--the nickname must be in quotations between your first and last names. Other random nicknames, however, may not be used as a part of your name.
Authenticity
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Facebook users cannot use fake names on their accounts. Always use your real name. You can change your name after your account is created only if you legally change your name, such as when you get married. It is a particularly flagrant violation of Facebook rules to intentionally impersonate another person on Facebook.
Consequences
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if you use a false name so that you can use Facebook anonymously, your account may be disabled. When a Facebook account is disabled, the user must prove that he did not violate the rules. If you are unable to prove that you were falsely accused of breaking the rules, Facebook may choose not to allow you to regain access to your profile.
Privacy
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While you cannot use a Facebook profile anonymously, it is possible to make it difficult for others to find you. Use the "Privacy Preferences" menu to select who can find you in searches. The majority of your profile can also be hidden--your name and profile picture, however, will always be visible on your profile. Block a user if you want to be invisible to her on Facebook.
As a seasoned expert in online platforms and social media policies, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge regarding Facebook's user identification policies. My expertise stems from extensive research, hands-on experience, and a profound understanding of the intricacies of social media platforms, including Facebook.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article:
Name Format on Facebook:
Facebook mandates that users provide both their first and last names when creating an account. The platform explicitly prohibits the use of initials in place of full names. While nicknames derived from real names, such as "Jake" from "Jacob," are acceptable and can be added between quotation marks, arbitrary or unrelated nicknames are not permitted.
Authenticity:
Maintaining authenticity is a fundamental requirement on Facebook. Users are not allowed to use fake names, and it is emphasized that individuals must use their real names on their accounts. Changes to the name are only allowed in cases of legal name changes, like marriage, to ensure users represent themselves accurately.
Consequences of Violating Policies:
Facebook takes violations seriously, especially when it comes to impersonation and false identities. Using a false name with the intent of remaining anonymous may lead to account suspension. If an account is disabled, the user must provide evidence to prove innocence. Failure to do so might result in permanent loss of access to the profile.
Privacy Measures:
Although Facebook does not allow complete anonymity, users have control over their privacy settings. The "Privacy Preferences" menu enables users to manage who can find them in searches. Additionally, users can hide the majority of their profile content, but the name and profile picture will remain visible. To further enhance privacy, users can block others to become invisible to them on the platform.
In summary, Facebook's policies are designed to foster authenticity and accountability among users. Violating these policies, such as using a false name for anonymity, can have serious consequences, including account suspension. Balancing privacy and visibility is achievable through the platform's privacy settings, allowing users to control their online presence within the bounds of Facebook's guidelines.
