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View Full Version : 'It has to go away': Facebook director calls for an end to internet anonymity



ktlight
30th July 2011, 08:10
FYI:

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.

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.

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.

source
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2019544/Facebook-director-Randi-Zuckerberg-calls-end-internet-anonymity.html

Lord Sidious
30th July 2011, 10:29
The big problem is, what they are saying is not wrong.
But that is the way this always goes.

Mad Hatter
30th July 2011, 10:34
Mark 'Such_a_burke' wants the real name and email addresses of under 13 year olds placed for all to see on Farce_Book...

For whom would these educational 'benefits' accrue... surely not your average pedophile??

This from a billionaire who has never done an honest days work in his life... so which is it, a drug problem, inability to think, both...??

phillipbbg
30th July 2011, 10:39
Politicians go by their real names but this has not curbed there behaviour.... no matter how high they have climbed the ladder..... I understand there point of view but then on the other hand whistle blowers would vanish over night for fear of losing their jobs etc... it would allow the old corruption to bury itself into its comfort zone... it has been the Genie of the internet that has with its double edged sword effect, that has brought about the change that we are seeing today...... Unfortunately TPTB have learnt to there dismay you can't have it both ways without showing your own dirty washing..... and they are trying every way they can to stuff the Genie back in the bottle....