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Something to SNS providers and software can learn from the gaming industry is name filters.

Majority, if not all, online #games implement a RegExp-based or manual input name blocklist. In the socmed landscape, software like Mastodon should implement it to prevent any handles **and** display names with "Mastodon" in it.

Instance admins and moderators should be able to add new entries as they see fit. They can choose between RegExp matching or manual input.

It is an effective way to minimize fake accounts pretending to be the platform, instance, service, and/or software. For example, the Mastodon **software** is currently being bombarded by fake accounts about "Mastodon account verification", with "Mastodon" in either their handle or display name, or both.

Other social media software and platforms should implement it as well. Of course, it is not the ultimate solution, but it at least adds another layer to enable admins and moderators to fight against scammers and phishers pretending to be official accounts or channels.

Tags: #SNS #SocMed #SocialMedia #Mastodon #SocialWeb #OpenSocial #Fediverse #Bluesky #ATmosphere #Moderation