Theme by nostrich.
Text
To Whom It May Concern,
On a recent log in, I was informed that my account had been disabled due a “false name”. I read Facebook’s FAQ on the subject and would like to explain why I feel I was deleted under false assumptions. I would have to assume it was combination of registration name and display name that resulted in my disabled status. Regardless, I was never told there was any violation when I registered or after I was permitted to join and interact with the site and it’s members. I assumed my profile was following the terms and conditions as they read, when I joined earlier this year.
I was unaware that I needed to display or register under my legal name with out any abbreviations. My displayed name is Polly Apocalypse, which is my roller derby name, I am a real person. I was a member (now retired) of The Ohio Roller Girls. I have been known as, and using this name/alias for the past 3 years. Many people only know me by this name, real world and/or web-wise. I do not see how this is a violation. I was not, by any means, intentionally representing a false image to any fellow Facebook user or to the site itself. I am not a group, I am not selling anything. I did not and have not caused any damage on the site by using this name. I started this account to keep in contact with various extended family members (majority of my network) and some friends that do not use similar sites. I would like information about the exact terms in which I was disabled, in addition to how I can be returned to active status under my original display profile. I would like to be informed of what was done with my profile information, if I was flagged in anyway by this site and any partnering websites. I am also curious why I was never given a warning about being in violation with the terms and conditions before I was removed from Facebook or after my profile had been disabled. Why was I never asked to prove this is or is not legally my name and identity? It very well could have been. I know policy states you are permitted to delete without warning a “fake profile”, if you had reviewed my profile the only issue visible was the use of two separate first names by my friend connections. Otherwise the entirety of the Polly Apocalypse moniker was myself, despite that not being my legal name. There was nothing that could not be simply explained by nickname vs legal name. It was not a fake profile or a front for any misleading activities, as was assumed when I was removed from using Facebook.
I would love to continue using Facebook, but I would rather not have my full legal name, first or last, shown or used in a search. I feel my personal right to privacy is being diminished by insisting I use my given/ legal name as my ID to other members. I cannot prevent persons I do not know - have no interest in being linked to - from viewing my name, location, connections, comments, photo etc, under the current issue of alias/ nickname being viewed as a “false name”. Other similar networking sites allow name exceptions to be displayed, no questions asked. Is there a way to hide my given name from within the sites “public” information and searching? Can I also remove myself from the “You know….Do you know…?” category, if I choose? I feel I have a right to use the site in any name I choose, in any persona I wish to represent in order to stay semi private on a networking community. I can understand the removal of my profile if I had threatened another member or posted lewd and offensive pictures or violated any part of the terms and conditions in which I harmed another member or could have disrupted the site. I feel this issue is rather minor in comparison to other possible serious violations that can occur on the site.
I do have a more serious, secondary concern. Due to some very recent incidents that have me on alarm, I feel a need to openly share this situation. As a personal example of why I do not want my full legal name displayed or used as a search component on many websites. I have a mentally unstable, former acquaintance who has “cyberstalked” myself and several of my profile contacts via similar sites and forums. They have, in the past, found a way to locate me outside of the internet (in public areas. i.e. coffee houses, library, etc) with the information made “public” by said sites and forums but, ONLY during times in which I have used, displayed and made available part of or all of my given name. The said person is not a physical threat to me currently and has not been in the past. They have, according to several laws, stayed within enough boundary that I cannot file any sort of protection motion against them. Many states have laws against “cyberstalking” : The Telecommunications Harassment Law. I have reviewed several states’ laws and case summaries. I am finding this law do not apply to my situation and most sentencing in similar cases far too harsh for the crime. I am sure my story, or variations of, are not at all abnormal or foreign to any user of the internet. Such is the nature of the beast. However, I do feel there should be some responsibility, by the website in use to offer an option of privacy, in any reasonable degree chosen by the user. Including the right of using an alternate name. Unfortunately requiring a member, in order to stay active. Use their full, legal given name to register and display within the site, is not helpful or protective to the rights of that individuals security. I should be permitted to register under Polly A if i choose, given I present and represent my true self to the site and it’s members. Nicknames should be permissible if no true foreseeable harm is cause by their use. I believe this would be my case.
I know my ”cyberstalking” example is outside of Facebook’s terms and conditions or any internet networking site, but I think it needs, should be taken into consideration for myself and any other users. In my opinion using a policy banning any creative use of a nick name, stage name, alias or otherwise, cannot ultimately insure the safety and security of the members and site at all times. Unfortunately, anyone, anywhere, can create a believable, fictitious profile with ”real world” contact information, including photographs and an elaborate back story in order to become a member of any website. Possibly; presumably, for illegal or harmful activity on said site. But, if that fictitious profile does not obviously violate terms and conditions of member representation or site usage. They would be allowed to continue to use the site, they would be undetectable as a false identity. Probably, if not completely because their particular name is more believable, doesn’t stand out over the more colorful nicknames or alias.
For example: Independent bookstore owner, Susan Smith of Joplin, MO - is really - Identity stealing Jennifer Jones of Las Vegas. OR 15 year old, JV cheerleading team captain, Missy Mills of Sugarland, TX - is really - twice convicted, 50 year old, sex offender. Richard Smith of St Louis. Does disabling any profile using similar, colorful and creative monikers as my own, detour the believable but intentionally deceptive example member? How can you determine who is under a”false name”or “fake profile” and who us not, without requiring every member to show some valid proof of identity? Sounds fake, does not necessarily mean fake. Seems legitimate, does not mean it is and does not warrant the assumption that it is.
I hope my situation is an understandable consideration of current policy. I hope what I have expressed is not viewed as disorderly or misinformed or accusatory, but maybe as another point of view to take into consideration, in general. I understand why a site like Facebook would want to oversee the members information in order to keep a level of legal and safe activity. But I do not see how my use of a known alternate, a public roller derby persona, could eventually cause any trouble for the members, site and partners. I find a great deal of misunderstanding in being disabled over the assumption my profile was fake. I am aware I could choose to just not use this site but, I believe there is a solution here. Especially from a popular networking site that proclaims: “It’s free and anyone can join.” I do believe, I fall under the “anyone” label.
Any reply addressing my concerns would be appreciated, Thank you
*of course here is where i added my full legal name and contact info*
i am aware that by blogging this i have given up my privacy to any of the readers. i am fine by this, because it is a voluntary act.
the big picture: what are our real privacy rights on these networking websites?
