Facebook bans woman named Isis, asks to prove identity

Says, Isis wasn't allowed as it didn't comply with policy

Facebook bans woman named Isis, asks to prove identity
Press Trust of India London
Last Updated : Jul 02 2016 | 4:00 PM IST
A 27-year-old UK woman named Isis was denied access to her Facebook account and asked to send an identity proof by the social networking site as part of its stringent policy to erase all traces of ISIS terror outfit.

Isis Thomas, a resident of Bristol in Britain, was asked to change her name after logging on to the site on June 27.

"I just tried to log in and when I did, the password went through and this box came up asking me something about changing my name. I was on Facebook as Isis Worcester, because when I first signed up years ago I didn't use my real name, which is Isis Thomas, because of where I worked at the time," Isis said.

"I thought it was about the surname, so I just changed it to Isis Thomas. But that didn't work and I realised they had a problem with me being called Isis," she said.

Isis's mother had named her after the ancient Egyptian goddess worshipped as the ideal mother, wife and the patron of nature and magic.

"They sent a message saying Isis wasn't allowed, it didn't comply with the policy. They asked me to send in proof of identity, which I did. That was on Monday and I haven't been let on the site since," Isis was quoted as saying by The Sun.

Facebook has recently launched a crackdown on ISIS extremists who had used the network for propaganda purposes.

"Things have definitely changed for me and my name...It frustrates me that people still use 'Isis', especially when I see newspaper reports and they've written it 'Isis' instead of at least using capitals, like ISIS, because it's an acronym," the Bristol University worker said.

"I have no plans to change my name, though, I love it. I just want Facebook to realise it's my real name," she said.

"It's as though she has never existed. I have found Facebook impossible to contact and I'm furious," said Sian, mother of Isis.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 02 2016 | 3:42 PM IST

Next Story