Should a mandatory use of plain names be introduced on the Internet?

Poll results

Should a mandatory use of plain names be introduced on the Internet?
Support
Reject
Don't know
39%
52%
9%
PolitPro Community – 3947 respondents – 04.10.2023-11.10.2023

Poll information

Should a mandatory use of plain names be introduced on the Internet? 39% voted in favor of mandatory clear naming, 52% against.

9% chose the answer "Don't know". The survey was conducted among 3947 users of the PolitPro app during 04.10.2023-11.10.2023. The results are not representative, but may give a rough idea of the political mood around the issue.

Pros - What's in favor?

  1. Promoting responsibility and transparency: A clear-name requirement could help people act more responsibly on the Internet. If users are required to use their real names, they could be more aware of what content they share and how they behave towards others. This could lead to a more polite and respectful tone online and increase transparency by knowing the identity of users.
  2. Combating hate speech and cyberbullying: a clear-name requirement could help curb hate speech and cyberbullying. Since the identity of users would be known, perpetrators could be more easily identified and held accountable. This could act as a deterrent and help people feel safer online. Victims of hate speech and cyberbullying could also be better protected and supported.
  3. Protecting privacy and combating online fraud: a clear-name requirement could improve privacy protection and make it more difficult for fake identities to spread. By verifying users' identities, online fraud and identity theft could be reduced. The clear name requirement could thus help people operate more securely on the Internet.

Cons - What's against it?

  1. Restricting anonymity: A clear-name requirement would severely restrict anonymity on the Internet. Anonymity can be crucial for certain groups, such as whistleblowers or political dissidents, to freely express their opinions or expose grievances without fear of personal consequences. A plain-name requirement could interfere with this freedom and protective function.
  2. Risk of misuse of personal data: If users are forced to reveal their real names, there is an increased risk of misuse of their personal data. Cybercriminals could use this information to carry out identity theft or other fraudulent activities. A clear-name requirement could thus jeopardize the security of users.
  3. Diversity and freedom of expression: A clear-name requirement could lead to people holding back on the Internet for fear of reprisals or discrimination. This could restrict the diversity of opinions and the free exchange of ideas. Anonymity allows people to freely express their thoughts and views without having to worry about negative consequences. A clear-name requirement could thus impair freedom of expression on the Internet.