YouTube Wants You to Drop Your Alias Dylan Duarte July 24, 2012 The YouTube comments section is something of a legend. Bigots, racists, and imbeciles of all types congregate to spread their venomous hate and lash out at those who have the audacity to post a video on the Internet. YouTube and Google are trying to curb that disgusting nonsense by encouraging commenters to switch to their real names, which are pulled from the Google+ service. The switch isn’t forced, but if a user chooses to continue using an alias, they’ll be asked why they declined. If they decide to go with their real name, YouTube will then ask if they want to be associated with certain past comments. YouTube is test driving this new feature in the United States right now, but it will be expanding internationally soon. Anonymity is one of the great freedoms of the Internet, but it’s not difficult to argue that it’s also a detriment. YouTube comments are usually horrible, vile things and it wouldn’t hurt to make people more accountable. And if anyone cries about freedom of speech, I will slap the words out of their misinformed mouths. via Slash Gear Share This With The World!
