The Times is Changing its Comment policy

[Igneococcus]

I just got this email:

" Dear XXX,
We are writing to let you know that from December 13 it will be our policy for digital readers of The Times and The Sunday Times to comment on articles using their real names. We believe this is the best way to ensure high-quality participation.
As we would expect from our readers, conversations on our digital platforms can be thought-provoking and intelligent. We know you will not always agree with us and we welcome robust conversation and unique perspectives. Smart debate can also help to inform future story ideas.
The Times view is that you should know who you are speaking to, rather than debating with a pseudonym. We want to present an alternative to social media, where animosity is too often protected by anonymity.
The quality and civility of debate on The Times and The Sunday Times platforms sets us apart. We value immensely the support of readers who are helping to keep our standards high."

That will kill any discussion for contentious issues like trans issues.
I can sort of get where they are coming from but I'm the only person with my name in the whole of the UK, so if I post under my real name I stand out a lot more than, for example, a Jane Smith does.

I posted this on a previous thread about the same thing, but didn't really get a direct reply - would still be interested in thoughts by more knowledgeable people though:

I would be interested if any legal bods on here could clarify - is the Times (&/or newspapers generally) covered by the Equality Act as a provider of goods/services? Would instituting policies that indirectly discriminate against women/people with specific beliefs or religions/on racial grounds (thinking of people with "foreign-sounding"/unusual and easily-identifiable names, and/or commenting on race issues) put them on dodgy ground legally, or does this not apply to them?

I tried to argue with them when I messaged them that it was against the spirit of the Equality Act in relation to my sex, sexual orientation and disability, but they didn’t take any notice, and I presume they’ve had legal advice on it. But I would be interested to know too.

I don't see how it's not covered by the EA. You're paying for something, and that something is to be able to read articles and discuss them with other subscribers.

Women are disproportionately affected by having to use their real name because women who do so (on any topic) are about 10 times more likely to be victim of men making threats etc.

Women who do not believe in gender identity, and/or who are lesbian, even more so.

I’ve reported the speed recovery post as advertising/spam.