A disabled man has been banned from creating a Facebook account because they don’t believe that his name is real, even though he’s sent off his ID to prove it.
DJ, who had his name changed via deed poll back 2008, claims that the popular social network barred him because they believe he’s trying to promote himself as a disc jockey.
To prove that DJ is in fact his real name he sent off his driving licence along with other documents to but Facebook has refused to budge on the issue, The Mirror reports.
DJ suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis which has left him housebound and confined to a wheelchair.
His illness prevents him from using phones so he used Facebook as his way of contacting friends and family, but now he’s been barred DJ’s been left feeling isolated.
DJ explained:
I had to change my name to protect myself. I chose DJ because I used to be a DJ and I was into music but I’m not promoting anything now.
This is my real name. I’m no good with mobiles and it costs too much for me to make a phone call.
My nephew invited me to Christmas dinner but I couldn’t respond because I couldn’t get on Facebook.
I’m worried I’m going to get bad feelings from my family because I can’t reply to them. I live on my own and I’m losing contact with everyone.
I’ve sent them proof of my name and they are still saying it’s unacceptable. They say it should be the name you use in everyday life but that’s what it is.
Facebook have responded to DJ’s pleas in an email, however they stand by their decision explaining that a profile is for personal, non-commercial use and should represent an individual person.
Before adding that if DJ would like to use Facebook to represent a business, brand, organisation, idea or public figure, consider creating a Facebook Page.
Sounds like a pre-generated email response to me. Anyway let’s hope that poor DJ gets the situation sorted soon.
More of a concept than a journalist, Tom Percival was forged in the bowels of Salford University from which he emerged grasping a Masters in journalism.
Since then his rise has been described by himself as ‘meteoric’ rising to the esteemed rank of Social Editor at UNILAD as well as working at the BBC, Manchester Evening News, and ITV.
He credits his success to three core techniques, name repetition, personality mirroring, and never breaking off a handshake.