Facebook BANS disabled man because it doesn’t believe his real name is DJ
Dismayed 55-year-old says he's been left isolated from friends and family by social network who claim he is marketing himself as a disc jockey
A DISABLED man who changed his name to DJ has been booted off Facebook - because they don’t believe his name is real.
The 55-year-old - who changed his name via deed poll in 2008 after becoming victim of security fraud - said the social network has barred him because they claim he is marketing himself as a disc jockey.
Despite providing them with his driving licence and other documents to prove his genuine identity, DJ says the site won't budge.
DJ, of Hull, East Yorks., suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis which leaves him housebound and confined to a wheelchair.
Because of his struggles to use phones, and as a result of the Facebook ban, he said he has been left isolated from his friends and family - as it is his main means of contacting them.
Distraught DJ said: "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.
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"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."
Since the wrangle, DJ is reluctant to go through the process of changing his name again, citing the costs and rigmarole of using deed poll and paying for a new driving licence and passport.
An email from Facebook to DJ on Boxing Day morning, it said: "A profile is for personal, non-commercial use and should represent an individual person.
"The name on your profile should be the name that you go by in everyday life. Pages look similar to profiles, but they offer unique tools for businesses, brands,
organisations and public figures to share their stories and connect with people.
"Please keep in mind that using a profile to represent anything other than your authentic self goes against Facebook's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities.
"If you'd like to use Facebook to represent a business, brand, organization, idea or public figure, consider creating a Facebook Page."
Facebook has been contacted for a comment.
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