[jdavis703]

Could Facebook implement a PageRank type algorithm that gets people with already verified real names (perhaps they paid for something by credit card on FB, or are registered with a .edu email that matches their initials), to then say whether their friends name was real? Surely there's a way of proving someone's real name without making them use their legal name.

[jschwartzi]

I wonder if they simply want the legal name. If part of the purpose of Facebook is to sell networks of people to marketers, then being able to tie your network identity to your home loan, car loan, and credit score is going to be very appealing.

[jdavis703]

If we take the article at face value, then the answer is that "no, they don't want your full name" for marketing.

[eevee]

"Finally!" the marketers cry. "We know exactly who John Smith's friends are."