'It has to go away': Facebook director calls for an end to internet anonymity



Facebook's marketing director has called for an end to on-line anonymity, saying internet users would 'behave a lot better' if everyone had to use real names when surfing or posting on the internet.



Randi Zuckerberg, Facebook’s marketing director and sister of multi-millionaire founder Mark, made the comments during a round table discussion on cyber bullying.



The ubiquitous social networking site, which has been at the centre of recent controversy over internet privacy and bullying issues, currently requires all its members to use their real names and emails when signing on.

ID: Randi Zuckerberg, marketing director of Facebook has spoken out against internet anonymity in a bid to end cyber bullying

Mrs Zuckerberg argued the end of on-line anonymity could help curb the trend of trolling and harassment on the web.



Speaking at a Marie Claire panel discussion on social media, she said: ' I think anonymity on the Internet has to go away.

'People behave a lot better when they have their real names down. … I think people hide behind anonymity and they feel like they can say whatever they want behind closed doors.'

The comments echo those of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt who has previously labelled internet anonymity a 'dangerous' precedent, before predicting government intervention will one day lead to its demise.

Controversial: Mark Zuckerberg has recently hit the headlines for proposing to allow under 13s on Facebook

Concerned: Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has also said previously internet anonymity would possibly come to an end

Privacy advocates have however condemned previous attempts to dismantle on-line anonymity.

attacked: Erin Andrews was also present at the meeting to speak about her traumatic experience of cyber bullying

Critics complain that the forced introduction of some kind of 'on-line passport' would damage the freedom of speech and blunt the internet as a tool for dissidents to speak up against oppressive governments.

The panel also pressed Mrs Zuckerberg to list what forthcoming safeguards the site has to protect security, she declined.

She added simply: 'There's so much more we can do.



'We’re actively tying to work with partners like Common Sense Media and our safety advisory committee.'

The panel were joined by Erin Andrews, an ESPN anchor who had a naked video of her posted on-line by a stalker.

At times becoming emotional, Mrs Andrews asked Mr Schmidt why searches for her name still brought up images and videos of the offending tape, despite her repeated attempts to have them removed.

Adding that just because she was a woman in her 30s She said: 'It’s still cyber bullying.

'Somebody needs to step in. As a family we're always asking, what is it going to take.'

Facebook has previously come under fire after founder Mark Zuckerberg said he would ‘fight’ to allow under-13s to use the social networking website – despite warnings it would put the most vulnerable children at risk.

In America the age limit, also of 13, is dictated by laws designed to protect young children, but Facebook’s 27-year-old billionaire creator believes the educational benefits of using the site mean the restrictions should be lifted.