LEGAL INSIGHTS AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN INTERNET LAW & ONLINE BUSINESS

An associate of mine, Kat, is an Internet-savvy, privacy fanatic who dislikes social-networking with a passion. While she does understand the importance of it for business purposes, when it comes to embracing sites like Facebook, for personal use, Kat stands firmly on the sidelines.

It’s become a running joke. I call her a luddite and she calls me a fad-chaser. I thought that Google+ might soften her stance; after all, “circles” allow for a considerable amount of user control; but Kat still didn’t budge, “Nope, won’t do it; won’t join,” was her succinct answer to my Google+ urging.

Once again, I kidded Kat about her anti-socialness and she offered up an ominous, “just wait, you’ll realize one day that my position isn’t totally crazy.”

And after reading a few reports last week, I’m beginning to develop an appreciation for Kat’s no-social-networking stance. In some ways, for those who value privacy, the Internet is becoming an increasingly dangerous place to hang out.

Facebook Did It First….

Despite a few very public F-ups, Facebook continues to reign supreme. Even though their privacy policy is notoriously shady, people keep logging in for more.

One of the more questionable Facebook rules is that users are supposed to use their government-recognized name. Now, Facebook doesn’t enforce its own “real name policy,” but the provision is in the agreement, and Facebook could start shutting down fake-name accounts anytime they wanted – only reinstating it once they receive a government issued I.D. proving you are who you say you are.

…And Google+ Is Following Suit

I wonder if the Google+ workroom featured a mark Zuckerberg dart board? Because it’s no secret that the new social networking platform is angling to win the hearts and minds of the public.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the plus team is following many pages of Facebook’s playbook. Facebook started as an invitation-only space; that’s how Google+ started. And now, it looks like Google+ is following suit when it comes to the “real name” thing – the standard is part of plus’ “community standards.”

But unlike Facebook, Google has been actively shutting down the accounts of people suspected of name-lying. In recent weeks, reports popped up wherein users’ accounts were shut down because they used their nicknames instead of real names. One user, CZ, had a particularly rough time. CZ has been calling himself CZ for over 20 years. It’s what his friends, parents and co-works use. But Google+ wasn’t having it. CZ even sent documentation proving that CZ is public persona, but plus wouldn’t budge. As far as Google was concerned, if the government didn’t know CZ as CZ, then he wasn’t welcome at Google+. (Hmmmmm, wonder if they’re gonna let Jay-Z join Google+?)

Google’s Vic Gundotra explained, “It’s about having common names and removing people who spell their name in weird ways, like using upside down characters or who use obviously fake names.” (Wonder what happens to the kids with the legal name “Ke$ha” – you know there are at least 5 by now.)

What Do You Think?

Enforcing a “real name” standard could spark a radical Internet-culture change. If the cloak of anonymity is removed, the Internet may morph into a never-ending job interview where people choose their words carefully, so as not to offend the boss.

What’s your opinion? Are you like Kat? Does a real name standard make you squirm? Or would you gladly embrace a more “civilized” Internet where everyone is forced to use their real name?

Sound off below.

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