Users are required to use their real name on Facebook, provide accurate account information, keep credentials secure, and notify Meta promptly of any unauthorized account access.
This analysis describes what Meta's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The clause establishes foundational account maintenance obligations that support platform identity verification and account security protocols. It creates an ongoing duty for users to monitor and report account status changes while reserving Meta's right to conduct identity verification independently.
Interpretive note: The scope and enforcement of the real name requirement and identity verification reservation may vary by jurisdiction and has been subject to regulatory scrutiny in some EU member states.
The updated terms establish a jurisdictional change for consumers. Previously, all disputes had to be resolved in California courts; now, if you are a consumer or if your country requires it, disputes must be resolved in courts within your home country under your home country's laws. For Meta's own claims against you, the agreement still requires disputes to proceed exclusively in California courts. The revised terms also now require Meta to notify you at least 30 days in advance before making changes to these Terms, and you will have the opportunity to review them before they take effect, unless changes are required by law.
View change record →This provision requires users to maintain accurate identity information, including use of a real name on Facebook, and authorizes Meta to request identity verification at any time. Users who use names other than their legal names may be subject to account review or restriction under this obligation.
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"You must provide us with accurate information, including providing your real name on Facebook as required by our Authentic Identity Policies. We also ask that you keep your account information up to date. It's also important that you keep your account credentials secure and that you tell us right away if anyone has unauthorized access to your account. We reserve the right to ask for your real name at any point if we have reason to believe you are not using your real name.— Excerpt from Meta's Meta Terms of Service
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: The real name requirement engages GDPR data minimization and purpose limitation principles for EU/EEA users, as mandatory collection of real identity information must be justified by a lawful purpose proportionate to the processing. The requirement may also interact with anti-discrimination law in jurisdictions where individuals have a right to use culturally recognized names or where identity documentation requirements disproportionately affect certain communities. COPPA is engaged where minor users are required to provide accurate personal identity information. GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Medium. The real name requirement is a known and documented feature of Facebook's terms, but its enforcement has been subject to criticism and legal challenge in some jurisdictions. The reservation of the right to request identity verification at any time creates ongoing user compliance obligations that are not time-limited. JURISDICTION FLAGS: In Germany and some other EU member states, platform real name requirements have been subject to regulatory and judicial scrutiny. The GDPR's data minimization principle may constrain the scope of identity information Meta can require and retain. California's AB 2273 (Age Appropriate Design Code) and similar laws may impose additional constraints on identity data collection from minors. CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Organizations managing corporate or brand pages on Meta platforms should ensure account administrators understand the real name requirement as it applies to their account credentials and that organizational accounts are maintained with accurate information. COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Compliance teams should assess whether their organizations' use of Meta platforms for employee or customer-facing activities involves any identity data collection or processing that interacts with this provision, and ensure internal policies address secure credential management for Meta accounts.
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The clause establishes foundational account maintenance obligations that support platform identity verification and account security protocols. It creates an ongoing duty for users to monitor and report account status changes while reserving Meta's right to conduct identity verification independently.
This provision requires users to maintain accurate identity information, including use of a real name on Facebook, and authorizes Meta to request identity verification at any time. Users who use names other than their legal names may be subject to account review or restriction under this obligation.
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