YouTube asks users to post real names for commenting

YouTube asks users to post real names for commenting

YouTube has been long criticised for having a poor commenting system with its number of videos being flooded with meaningless, stupid and racist rants. Google has finally decided to do something about it. The video sharing network will now seek your real name before posting any comment on the site.

When any user attempts to comment on a video, a box pops up asking the person to post real and full name. The full name further directs user to Google+ accounts as Google requires the real name of someone signing up for a Google+ account.

Users can however decline to start using their real name once “start using your full name” message appears. If you choose to refuse to use real name, another box pops up asking why you made that decision. Google offers you following choices:

• My channel is for show or character.
• My channel is for a music artist of group.
• My channel is for a product, business or organization.
• My channel is well-known for other reasons.
• My channel is for personal use, but I cannot use my real name.
• I'm not sure, I'll decide later.

Moreover, Google is offering users to add real names to their previous comments on the site. The move is reportedly taken to improve YouTube's image for potential advertisers. The feature is currently restricted to the United States and will be rolling out to other markets in the near future.

In June, Google had disclosed its plans to improve YouTube's comments section. YouTube's Dror Shimshowitz at Google I/O 2012 event had said the company was working on some improvements to the comment system," details of which should be available in the coming months.

It was rumoured then Google may make it compulsory for users to post real life details, similar to what Facebook has for its commenting system across the social network. Google had already taken steps in that direction by allowing Google+ users to use YouTube on their profile.