The internet is gradually shedding its cloak of anonymity, with platforms like OpenTable and Glassdoor making moves to require real identities behind user reviews and profiles.
OpenTable, the popular restaurant reservations site, is the latest to step away from anonymous reviews. In a bid to boost authenticity, the company has announced that users will no longer be able to post reviews anonymously. Instead, diners' comments must include their first name and an associated profile image.
This shift follows Glassdoor's recent decision to mandate real names for account verification while still permitting anonymous content posting. The rationale behind these changes, according to both companies, is to enhance trust and credibility within their respective services.
Initially, OpenTable had considered de-anonymizing past reviews but reversed course following feedback from its community. The company plans to implement this new policy later this year.
Critics of these changes worry about potential loopholes, as demonstrated by a Reddit user who joked about creative names like "King Tuttle's" or "Emperor Nero's" slipping through the verification process.
These developments highlight a broader trend towards greater transparency and accountability online, challenging the long-standing allure of internet anonymity. As platforms seek to cultivate more genuine user experiences, the days of anonymous online personas may be numbered.
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