Facebook is testing new tools in order to reduce the number of people who are asked to verify their name on Facebook and also make it easier for people to confirm their name if necessary. Facebook generally requires people to use the name their friends and family know them by. The company says that when people use the names they are known by, their actions and words are more accountable for what they say, and also it's harder for bullies to anonymously smear the reputations of others.

Although the company remains firmly committed to this policy, it’s also important that this policy works for everyone, especially for communities who are marginalized or face discrimination.

So Facebook is testing a new version of names reporting process that requires people to provide additional information about why they are reporting a name. In the past, people were able to simply report a "fake name" but now they will be required to go through several new steps that provide us more specifics about the report.
"This additional context will help our review teams better understand why someone is reporting a name, giving them more information about a specific situation," said Justin Osofsky, Vice President of Global Operations, Facebook.

The social network is also testing a new tool that will let people provide more information about their circumstances if they are asked to verify their name. People can let Facebook know they have a special circumstance, and then give more information about their unique situation. This additional information will help Facebook's review teams better understand the situation so they can provide more personalized support.

Early in the new year, Facebook will be looking at new ways they can reduce the number of people who have to go through an ID verification experience, while preserving the safety of other people on the site.