Nymwars

(UNDER CONSTRUCTION ☺. Right now it resembles the Wikipedia article, at least the sections. I hope to expand or change them as the article grows. Also, very disorganized right now!)

Nymwars (sometimes written as Nym wars)can described as the current debates over companies that want to require the use of real names online and eventually eliminate anonymity and even pseudonymity. This was probably sparked by Google+'s policies of requiring their users to use their real name and even banning those who use pseudonyms. However, others like Sandi Zuckerberg, the sister of the creator of Facebook, also are joining this .

Overview?

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Google's Stance?

Google's stance on (application of) real-name systems has changed through the years.

2007-2009

In 2007, South Korea became the first country to establish a real-name system, as mandated by the Korea Communications Commission through the Article 44-5 of the Act on the Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilisation and Information Protection, also known as the Network Act. This system would require users to confirm their identity before being allowed to comment or uploaded on websites. This act was written because KCC officials believed this would "curb `cyber bullying and reduce misinformation on the Internet". In 2008, they revised the Network Act, lowering the number of visitors required to qualify for the system from 200,000 (internet jounrnals) and 300,000 (portals) visits per day, to 100,000 visits per day. These changes would take place on April 1st, 2009 and would affect users of Youtube Korea, which is owned by Google. However, Google ultimately refused to cooperate with these regulations. Google shutdown some of Youtube Korea's functions in order to to avoid Korea's real-name system. A notice on the website said: “YouTube has decided to restrict its video upload and comment functions in South Korea.” It also stated, “Because there is no upload function, users won’t be required to confirm their identification.” Even though this limited the functionality of Youtube Korea, this allowed Google maintains its mission to provide universal access to information. Rachel Whetstone, vice president of Global Communications & Public Affairs at Google, offered an explanation of the shutdown of services in another notice on Youtube Korea's website. The statement was titled “Freedom of Expression on the Internet." Whetstone stated that, “Google thinks the freedom of expression is most important value to uphold on the internet. We concluded in the end that it is impossible to provide benefits to internet users while observing this country’s law because the law does not fall in line with Google’s principles.”

2011

In February 2011, Alma Whitten, the Director of Privacy, Product and Engineeringm at Google, made a blog post about the importance of allowing users to be who they want to be, whether that means using your real name (identified), a pseudonym (pseudonymous) or anonymous (unidentified). However, Google makes it clear that not all of its products are suited for all three of these modes; some may only allow one or two modes.

Google+ was soon released as invite-only on June 28, 2011 and to the public on September 20, 2011. In its User Content and Conduct Policy, it stated, To help fight spam and prevent fake profiles, use the name your friends, family or co-workers usually call you. For example, if your full legal name is Charles Jones Jr. but you normally use Chuck Jones or Junior Jones, either of those would be acceptable."

References

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