‘It has to go away’: Facebook director calls for an end to internet anonymity
July 28, 2011 by admin
Filed under Latest Lingerie News
By
Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 10:04 PM on 27th July 2011
Facebook’s marketing director has called for an end to on-line anonymity, saying internet users would ‘behave a lot better’ if everyone had to use real names when surfing or posting on the internet.
Randi Zuckerberg, Facebook’s marketing director and sister of multi-millionaire founder Mark, made the comments during a round table discussion on cyber bullying.
The ubiquitous social networking site, which has been at the centre of recent controversy over internet privacy and bullying issues, currently requires all its members to use their real names and emails when signing on.
ID: Randi Zuckerberg, marketing director of Facebook has spoken out against internet anonymity in a bid to end cyber bullying
Mrs Zuckerberg argued the end of on-line anonymity could help curb the trend of trolling and harassment on the web.
Speaking at a Marie Claire panel discussion on social media, she said: ‘ I think anonymity on the Internet has to go away.
‘People behave a lot better when they have their real names down. … I think people hide behind anonymity and they feel like they can say whatever they want behind closed doors.’
The comments echo those of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt who has previously labelled internet anonymity a ‘dangerous’ precedent, before predicting government intervention will one day lead to its demise.
Controversial: Mark Zuckerberg has recently hit the headlines for proposing to allow under 13s on Facebook
Concerned: Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has also said previously internet anonymity would possibly come to an end
Privacy advocates have however condemned previous attempts to dismantle on-line anonymity.
attacked: Erin Andrews was also present at the meeting to speak about her traumatic experience of cyber bullying
Critics complain that the forced introduction of some kind of ‘on-line passport’ would damage the freedom of speech and blunt the internet as a tool for dissidents to speak up against oppressive governments.
The panel also pressed Mrs Zuckerberg to list what forthcoming safeguards the site has to protect security, she declined.
She added simply: ‘There’s so much more we can do.
‘We’re actively tying to work with partners like Common Sense Media and our safety advisory committee.’
The panel were joined by Erin Andrews, an ESPN anchor who had a naked video of her posted on-line by a stalker.
At times becoming emotional, Mrs Andrews asked Mr Schmidt why searches for her name still brought up images and videos of the offending tape, despite her repeated attempts to have them removed.
Adding that just because she was a woman in her 30s She said: ‘It’s still cyber bullying.
‘Somebody needs to step in. As a family we’re always asking, what is it going to take.’
Facebook has previously come under fire after founder Mark Zuckerberg said he would ‘fight’ to allow under-13s to
use the social networking website – despite warnings it would put the
most vulnerable children at risk.
In
America the age limit, also of 13, is dictated by laws designed to
protect young children, but Facebook’s 27-year-old billionaire creator
believes the educational benefits of using the site mean the
restrictions should be lifted.
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But I am sure Miss Lucky one Zuckerberg and the CEO of Google would have no problems giving the government access to troll and access people’s accounts without a person’s prior knowledge. This should raise a bright red flag for facebook and google user’s regarding privacy. I can understand applications like “Linked In” but I will never understand why a person would want their personal life exposed to millions of stranger’s on the web with applications like Facebook.
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Exactly why I don’t use social networks. I don’t want my life or my identity on the net. We are losing our privacy, and no one seems to care much. The thought upsets and scares me that you cannot be anonymous now, or soon, or just be an individual.
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Facebook will be the very first site I ‘deactivate my profile’ from. Infact I think I’ll do it now – Anon.
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It is shocking how popular totalitarianism is today. Try finding someone who has even heard of Hannah Arendt today. Years ago people probably read 1984 and Brave New World and thought “no way, not here, not ever”, while today they probably shrug and say “sure, that’s how it’s going, what’s the big deal.” Which is all fine and dandy until you want to be an individual or not go with the masses. If this doesn’t scare everyone it is clear our schools are not teaching history and critical thinking.
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Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was originally published anonymously. I’m sure at the time the King of England would have loved a proposal requiring every writer to use or reveal their real name.
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Absolutely correct.
My Spanish-registered car was llegally impounded by the Northamptonshire police, who had misinterpreted European legislation on the length of time a foreign car could stay in the UK.
I eventually received the backing of the European Commission, who forced the DVLA and the police to change their policy.
Complaints were upheld against the police and the Chief Constable had to apologise.
The case was then reported on the official police website, PoliceOracle, where I was subjected to abuse and, indeed, libellous remarks, by anonymous posters who did not know me and knew nothing about me.
What made it worse was that they were all serving or retired police officers. The only action taken by the Moderator was to block my reply ( which was in my own name.)
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