Is imitating allowed - mainly with names?

Question

This user:

is imitating this user:

_{(at least I think so.... if not - why?)}

The same name is even allowed, which is annoying and confusing.

So how come this is even allowed when signing up? I don't mean anything about enforcing names, just it would be nice to not have tonnes of users with pretty much the same credentials... Something like a thing that prompts the user signing up with similar stuff to use a different name and stuff...

On most online things such as this you usually have to call yourself Username.122314141414 or something, but here you can get a few users with the same display name... It is nice feature being able to pick what you want, but there probably has to be regulation somewhere?

Answer 1

There's a difference between imitation and just having the same name.

• Unintentional coincidence

  Example: 2 people named John who create an account with the same display name. The profile picture will most likely be different.

  This is the case when two users just happen to use the same name, and is completely OK.

• Intentional impersonation

  Example: 10 blade19899's with the exact same name and profile picture.

  This is not allowed and the imitators should be flagged with an appropriate message in "other (needs ♦ moderator attention)".

  This is supported by the SE Content Policy:

  If you are found to be in violation of any of the below policies, you will receive a notice via email. Unless you explain or correct your behavior within 72 hours, your account will be suspended. We will do our best to work with you and ensure a fair outcome in all cases. We reserve the right to immediately suspend, without notice, any content, account, or IP address which we determine to be submitting spam or potentially other damaging or disruptive content the Network.

  [ ... ]

  Identity Theft and Privacy. Users that misleadingly appropriate the identity of another person are not permitted. [ ... ]