Facebook has started testing use of Aadhaar as an example to encourage new users in India to use their real names on its site. The latest move is aimed at curbing the number of fake accounts on the social media platform that has over 241 million users in the country, making India the second largest market for Facebook after the US.
A Facebook spokesperson confirmed to us, "We want to make sure people can use the names they're known by on Facebook, and can easily connect with friends and family. This is a small test where we provide additional language when people sign up for an account to say that using the name on their Aadhaar card makes it easier for friends to recognise them. This is an optional prompt which we are testing, people are not required to enter the name on their Aadhaar card."
Facebook is only asking the users under its pilot programme to sign up on its social network using the names that are available on their Aadhaar cards and doesn't request any Aadhaar details. The move doesn't raise further Aadhaar privacy issues, and risk of possible misuse doesn't increase. Normally, we don't report on developments in an app or service's onboarding process. But the attempt of using Aadhaar - which is currently embroiled in its own privacy controversies - as an example to enhance real name usage on Facebook makes it stand out.ndia is currently one of the fastest growing markets for Facebook - in addition to being the second-largest market after the US. This has so far influenced the Mark Zuckerberg-led company to actively bringing new features specifically for Indian users.
acebook started testing its 'Express Wifi' service in India in 2016 to offer high-speed internet access through 125 rural Wi-Fi hotspots. Last month, the Menlo Park, California-headquartered company announced its two programmes to train about five lakh Indians
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