Digital Week in Review: Facebook Eases Real Identity Rules, Satya Nadella Next CEO of Microsoft, Katy Perry at 50 Million Twitter Followers

In this week’s Digital Week in Review: Facebook is easing up on real identity rules, Satya Nadella could be the next CEO of Microsoft, and Katy Perry is the first to reach 50 million Twitter followers.

Facebook Easing Up On Real Identity Rules

Users will now be able to log in anonymously in a set of future apps set to be released. Previously Facebook has made a big deal over the years of users needing to have real identities but now made up names can be used for anonymity.

Mark Zuckerburg told Business Week the following:

“I don’t know if the balance has swung too far, but I definitely think we’re at the point where we don’t need to keep on only doing real identity things. If you’re always under the pressure of real identity, I think that is somewhat of a burden.”

Facebook’s experience with identity free log ins has been limited to only a few examples like verified accounts and Facebook Messenger on the Android. In 2012 when Facebook first launched verified accounts, it gave verified users the options of using nicknames in their interactions. Also on Android you have the option of using Facebook messenger without any Facebook account, but you still need to provide your phone number.

The social network has been under pressure in the past for its real name requirement. Regulators in German have said that Facebook’s real identity policy “erodes online freedoms”.

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Satya Nadella Next CEO of Microsoft

It is reported that the next CEO of Microsoft will be its cloud boss Satya Nadella. Nadella has made a name for himself at Microsoft with his work in cloud computing and deep technical knowledge. Nadella had been a candidate for the role since current CEO Steve Ballmer announced that he would be stepping down within a year.

Emily Change from Bloomberg has reported that the Bill Gates, long-time chairmen of Microsoft’s board could be replaced. His role in the board is said to envoke worry that he could hold back a new CEO through his influence as a shareholder and former CEO.

Katy Perry Reaches 50 Million Twitter Followers

Katy Perry has just become the first Twitter user to reach 50 million followers. Previously Justin Beiber was in the lead when he reached 40 million followers, and before that Lady Gaga held first place as she was the first to reach 10, 20, and 30 million followers. Bieber is still in second place but close to only 800,000 followers behind Perry. Currently in third place is the nation’s president Barack Obama.

Honorable mention to Ashton Kutcher, who once upon a time, was the first Twitter user to reach 1 million followers.