Facebook is asking some new users signing up to the platform in India to enter their names as it is on their Aadhaar cards. However, the measure is only meant to ensure people use their authentic names, and complying with it is not mandatory, a Facebook spokesperson told the Hindustan Times.
“We want to make sure people can use the names they are known by on Facebook, and can easily connect with friends and family,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.
“This is a small test where we provide additional language when people sign up for an account to say that using the name on their Aadhaar card makes it easier for friends to recognise them,” the spokesperson said. “People are not required to enter the name on their Aadhaar card.”
The feature is still being tested.
Facebook is known for a strict “real names” policy, which has often created controversies globally for being discriminatory to various ethnic groups and transgenders. Though it has never specifically asked users for their legal names, the social media website requires users to enter names that their friends and family identify them with.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!