Name change: escaping dangers of real ID

#0 - Sept. 25, 2010, 7:20 a.m.

Ok, so basically, I would like to change the name on my account from my real name to something else. I understand this may be an issue for Blizzard for purposes of account transfer so I wouldn't ask to change it to a real name. Perhaps to a series of X's or something else suitable impersonal.

First I will make the point of the fact that people are now rampantly spreading their real ID with casual online only acquaintances. I know this as I have personally had my "real ID friendship" requested on numerous occasions within 20min of meeting that person. I can only image how many people (just like them) don't understand the risk and do complete that transaction.

Now, I'm sure some of you will say there are no dangers in knowing a first and last name. You're dead wrong. I had a gaming buddy who thought the same thing. To prove a point I had him give me his first and last name. Two days later I sent him: his parent's first and last names, satellite images of his home, his phone number, his internet provider, and his neighbors first and last names along with their phone numbers. If I was stalking him and not just proving a point to a friend I could have gone on to send him records of any legal trouble he'd gotten into, or his drivers license number, license plate numbers... Real first and last names can even open the door to obtaining things like banking and social security numbers for those who are motivated enough to care (money usually motivates people enough to care).

It really is easy information to obtain for somebody who knows what they're doing and there are A LOT of us out there. It doesn't take years of training as a stalker, just a bit of computer knowhow and an interest in personal security (you have to learn how to hack so you know what to defend kind of thing).

Also, a little bit of money to a personal data farming site (say the steep price of three to five dollars a month for unlimited lookups) can overturn a terrifying amount of information almost instantly using a first and last name. Sure, you can -usually- opt out of those, but do you know how many there are out there to opt out of? I sure know I lost count.

Anyway, back to my request. I would like to change my name to something that isn't personally identifiable for safety reasons. Who knows maybe I'll have a violent relationship meltdown with somebody I've real ID friended. Or, hate to even think it, if my account was compromised I don't want them to know who I am. Hopefully in a day where this sort of safety is still widely considered a serious issue, Blizzard will not turn down this down. It really doesn't seem to be an earthshaking quest, and I would greatly appreciate the peace of mind.

Thank you for your time,
"Yardstick"

Roraks

#27 - Sept. 25, 2010, 8:05 p.m.

Greetings Yardstick,

Q u o t e:
Ok, so basically, I would like to change the name on my account from my real name to something else. I understand this may be an issue for Blizzard for purposes of account transfer so I wouldn't ask to change it to a real name. Perhaps to a series of X's or something else suitable impersonal.

Unfortunately changing your battle.net first and last name will not be possible. In the case where your name has legally changed, you may contact our billing and account services and have them initiate your request.

While I understand your concern for security Yardstick, RealID is NOT required and completely optional. As others have pointed out and as our FAQ states: Real ID is a system designed to be used with people you know and trust in real life -- friends, co-workers and family -- though it's ultimately up to you to determine who you wish to interact with in this fashion.

Q u o t e:
Anyway, back to my request. I would like to change my name to something that isn't personally identifiable for safety reasons.

If this is the case, you already have the option to use a character name.

If you have any suggestions as to how we can improve this service or further reasoning as to why we should allow these types of requests, the best I can ask you to do is to post on our suggestion forums.

Suggestion forums - http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/board.html?sid=1&forumId=11122

Q u o t e:
Ok, so until I get a post from a blue I'll just assume that my only option here is to cancel my account and create a new one under a false name? Why spend so much time enforcing something so silly and so easily circumventable??

I would recommend not going this route. Not only are you providing false information, but should you require assistance with your account, we will not be able to provide you with any.

Roraks

#35 - Sept. 25, 2010, 8:14 p.m.

My apologies, Yardstick. I didn't mean to mislead you. This is what I meant.

Q u o t e:

No, there's the option to not use Real ID, and just be on a friends list as your character.

It's the standard Friends List.

There is currently no option to use a character name with Real ID, although it would be a great suggestion.

Roraks

#43 - Sept. 25, 2010, 8:46 p.m.

Sorry about the slow response Yardstick. Unfortunately I am unable to move this thread to the suggestion forums. I do however appreciate you considering this as an option and I apologize for any inconvenience.