FB and its naming policy

[Minerves]

If a persons legal name on bank cards, driving license etc. is, say, 'Katherine A Smith' or 'Katherine Anna Smith' but they have always gone by 'Anna Smith", AIBU to think that Facebook should accept this as her name?
I think FB should let people use whatver name they want, but if that's not allowed surely variation on the legal name should be accepted anyway siince lots of people aren't known by first names.

How can they possibly know what's your real name? I've always used a short form of my first name on there (which is the name most of my friends call me in real life), but I know several people who use names much less closely related to their real ones because they work in environments (e.g. justice related or mental health) where they really don't want some of the people they meet to be able to trace them. Also, quite a high proportion of the teachers I know use their first and middle name instead of first and surname, because they're less likely to get pestered by children and parents. I don't think the rule is enforceable anyway, but if it was, FB would probably go under.

I use my first name and middle name, so say amy ellen not amy smith (not real names) - never been an issue?

They have no way of knowing! Use whatever you like. Lots of people are never known by their real name anyway.

There is no way of checking. FB do not want to make it difficult for people to set up accounts. They just want an official policy to help them manage some of the accounts that have caused trouble.

Load of Bollocks.
I have a hyphenated name. I go by part of it and my married name on fb, not what's on my cards. Not what I use use at work, completely different. So that's, in theory, three names.
Don't think op will be back.

FB won't let my friend use her real name - her name is Gay, spelt that way - she has to spell it with an e on the end on FB which confuses us all I wonder if they allow Dicks and Fannys?

I know a Michael Jackson, FB wouldnt let him use his real name!?

vital - FB do tell you it has to be your real name. They just don't check

Oh yes they do, I recently had to provide them with ID showing the name I use on fb before they would unblock my account (it was blocked because of the name )

I'll give a shiny site about their rules when they crack down on 9 year old kids who have a Facebook account...

If someone reports you for using a fake name, they'll block your account until you upload a pic of your driving license.

I'm not sure what you're supposed to do if you don't drive or hold a passport.

Why on earth would anyone bother to report a fake name? People need to get out more!

How else could FB possibly know what your real name is?? What a pile of nonsense

I use the name that practically everyone in my real life knows me by but it's not the name on my passport. I hope they do suspend my account, it'd stop me using it when my self control is too weak.

I knew a Gay on Facebook last year :S

I've been known as Bearhug on various forums for over a decade now, and I'll answer to it just as I answer to Emma, at least when I've been to places where people know me by that name.

Would they make Elton John register as Reg Dwight?

sooper, I was lurking in an open FB group last week.

Two women were going at it hammer and tongs about the best way to cook chicken

After the argument, 'Fanny Craddock's' name went black, so I assume the other woman reported her?

Some people just like to live life on the edge...

Does anyone know if there is any flexibility at all? There are a lot of Angelas known as Angie and Daniels known as Dan for example.

I had that too needs , although in my case I was blocked for having messaged several people in quick succession that I wasn't friends with. I'd got married but not changed the name on my Facebook account, but luckily had an old passport in my maiden name.

Most people have some form of ID

I am friends with a large family whose surname is Gay.

For years facebook wouldn't allow them to use their actual surname, as soon as they put it in it came back rejected.

A few of the put an e on the end, others went first name middle name. I think it's changed now though, I noticed the other day that one is just Gay now.

I don't have my real name on there. I'm a teacher, it's just easier if I'm not searchable then I don't have to turn down any friend requests from pupils because they can't find me in the first place.

My friend's FB account was suspended with a note saying it appears she not using her real name asking for a picture of ID with full name on it to get the account reopened. She has always gone by her middle name and had her FB name as 'middle name, last name' but apparently only nicknames of first names and first names are allowed, or firstname middlename lastname.

If people don't go by first names, they should be able to use the name they go by on social media. No reason why middlename lastname isn't a valid name.

You can use whatever name you like on FB, as long as it resembles a 'real' name. Try calling yourself Buzz Lightyear or something it won't let you set it up.

I have 2 fb accounts with different nsmes and have not had a problem yet

Everyone calls a friend of mine by her initial. So she wanted to be the equivalent of A Smith on facebook. They wouldn't accept it.

Ohohoho, I can wreak chaos & destruction amongst my FB friends from MN I'd say less than half use their real names ... Next time I feel grumpy, I can go on a reporting binge.

My real name's Garlic, of course. My parents are vampire-hunters.