Google Plus (Google+) does not allow you to register yourself without real names. Yes, you may be able to enter your details as Mr. X but if you get caught, then you risk your account to be banned. Some got angry because of this, though others gave a positive feedback.
Nevertheless, if you have been blogging for quite some time and known by your fans as Mr. HandSome, then you might be able to get away by registering that nickname (or pseudonym, they call it) instead on Google+ now.
This news came from Bradley Horowitz, Vice President of Google+ Product Management, on his Google+ status on allowing nicknames on Google+ recently.
So Mr. HandSome, you still have to prove yourself that the world has known you as one. According to Bradley, you need to provide:
- References to an established identity offline in print media, news articles, etc
- Scanned official documentation, such as a driver’s license
- Proof of an established identity online with a meaningful following
In the end, Google will still know your real name but at least you can keep it a secret from public (though yeah, assuming Google+ server will never be hacked). It’s really hard to maintain privacy these days but I guess you can still control what information is being passed around or made public, if you really are careful.
This is great news for those who want a Google+ Profile but doesn’t want his/her real identity to be made public. Guess I’m doomed…. can’t run away from Mr. Michael Aulia here..sigh. Will you support me as Mr. Cool or other less lame nicknames?
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