Technology News
- 18 December 2012, 14:11
Facebook rejects fake names request
Facebook says it will not comply with a German privacy watchdog's request to let users register with fake names.
The data protection commissioner of Schleswig-Holstein state issued an order requiring that the social networking site permits pseudonymous accounts.
Thilo Weichert said the California-based company's policy of requiring real names breaches German law and European rules designed to protect free speech online.
Facebook said that the order is "without merit, a waste of German taxpayers' money and we will fight it vigorously".
Mr Weichert said his office can impose a penalty against Facebook if it does not comply with the order within two weeks.
Facebook says it has more than 20 million active users in Germany.
what do you think?
Adrian Nedelcu
Facebook has no interest in allowing fake names. They make their business by selling all your personal information to every marketing tracker and government watchdog that you can name. Privacy is a breach of facebook policy.
SagePhotoWorld
I can't wait to see Facebook back down when they find they are blocked in Germany. I would never ever put my real name on Facebook. I don't actuallyt have an account anyway.
SagePhotoWorld
4:30am on 19/12/2012
The Germans have a very valid point. I say ban Facebook.