Real-Name & Identity Policy

1. Purpose & Principles

Friendium is built on the principle that meaningful social interaction is strengthened when people communicate using their authentic identities. Unlike pseudonymous platforms, Friendium prioritizes real-name usage to reduce abuse, misinformation, impersonation, and harmful behavior.

This policy aims to:

• Promote trust and accountability among users
• Reduce harassment, fraud, and impersonation
• Support safer communities and civil discourse
• Enable effective moderation and enforcement
• Comply with legal, regulatory, and safety obligations

2. Real-Name Requirement

Users are required to use the name they are known by in everyday life. This may include their legal name or a commonly used variation, provided it accurately represents their real-world identity.

Acceptable name formats include:

• Legal first and last name
• Commonly used shortened or informal versions
• Names reflecting cultural or linguistic variations
• Names changed due to marriage, transition, or legal processes

3. Prohibited Name Practices

The following are not permitted as primary account names:

• Pseudonyms or nicknames unrelated to real identity
• Business names on personal profiles
• Fictional characters or role-play identities
• Offensive, misleading, or deceptive names
• Names intended to impersonate others

4. Cultural & Regional Considerations

Friendium recognizes that naming conventions vary globally. Users may:

• Use single names where culturally appropriate
• Use patronymic or matronymic naming systems
• Use non-Latin scripts consistent with official or customary usage

Enforcement decisions take cultural context into account and are reviewed with sensitivity to local norms.

5. Identity Accuracy & Consistency

Users must ensure that their profile accurately reflects their identity and does not intentionally mislead others. Repeated name changes, inconsistent identity details, or deceptive behavior may trigger review.

6. Identity Verification Requests

Friendium may request identity verification when:

• An account is reported for impersonation
• There is evidence of fraudulent activity
• Account recovery requires confirmation of ownership
• Legal or safety obligations require verification

7. Verification Methods

Verification may involve one or more of the following:

• Government-issued identification (securely reviewed)
• Supporting documents or contextual evidence
• Account activity and social graph analysis

Verification data is handled in accordance with Friendium’s Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

8. Privacy & Data Protection

Identity verification materials are:

• Used solely for verification purposes
• Access-controlled and encrypted
• Retained only as long as necessary
• Never displayed publicly

9. Exceptions & Special Circumstances

Friendium may allow limited exceptions in cases involving:

• Personal safety risks
• Domestic abuse survivors
• Legal name change processes in progress
• Protected individuals under law enforcement guidance

Requests for exceptions are reviewed individually and may require documentation.

10. Enforcement Actions

Violations of this policy may result in:

• Requests to update or correct profile name
• Temporary visibility restrictions
• Account suspension until compliance
• Permanent account removal in severe cases

11. Appeals

Users may appeal enforcement actions through Friendium’s Appeals & Review Process. Appeals are reviewed by trained teams and may involve additional verification.

12. Relationship to Other Policies

This policy operates in conjunction with:

• Account Authenticity Rules
• Impersonation Prevention & Enforcement Policy
• Fake Account & Misrepresentation Policy
• Privacy Policy

13. Policy Updates

Friendium may update this policy to reflect legal changes, platform evolution, or emerging risks. Material updates will be communicated to users where required.

14. Contact

Identity & Account Integrity: identity@friendium.com
Legal & Compliance: legal@nexa-group.org