Argument and critique regarding protection of personal identities online has caused Google+ to soften their policy on using real names on registered accounts. However, their may be a few conditions to the policy. Individuals wanting to use nicknames may have to show proof of either a) an “established identity” in the media offline under the pseudonym, or b) an “established identity online,” with a significant or “meaningful following” using the pseudonym. As well, some type of identification or documentation may need to be provided. If individuals don’t want to go through the hassle of providing ID, they can have their nickname displayed next to their legal name.
Google will be accepting public feed back during the launch of their new policy. What do you think of the new change?
