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Someone mentioned that FB may want to be the world's identity broker. I personally hate the idea, but if that's the case, they'll hardly give up their policy. Governmental ID brokers have exceptions to protect someone's identity. If FB wants to be taken seriously they should implement similar possibilities. The next one will then be please send us a police report stating you are in need of etc etc.

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But Facebook's policy ignore the law in many countries. In England I can use any name I choose so long as I don't have the intent to deceive.

I am legally allowed to be Ann and Bob simultaneously.

(admittedly that's a bit trickier when organisations "copper-bottom" regulations around identity, eg money laundering "Know your customer" regs.)

I am not well versed in law at all but that sounds pretty fair. I guess FB doesnt behave as an org you can apply with whatever name you want, but more as a gov which wants to keep track of its citizens. They can also do so because their members have few alternatives, just like citizens of countries.

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