Facebook’s plan to eradicate trolls* worldwide

Facebook’s next big move in the world of online publishing is the roll out of a commenting system that will power the comment feeds on large media websites and blogs.
The social network is actively trying to recruit major media companies and blogs to ‘partner’ with it for the launch of the new comments platform.
The new platform will mean a much deeper integration between Facebook and the web’s largest publishers. Most publishers already carry ‘Like’ and ‘Share on Facebook’ buttons. Other companies like Disqus and Echo offer third party comment systems to publishers who don’t have the time or resources to maintain them. However, Facebook’s user base will be a prime motivator for publishers to sign up to its comments platform.
If the Facebook comments platform becomes the dominant commenting system on the Web, the result will be greater transparency and [one would hope] a greater improvement in comments. After all, anonymity would no longer be easy for commentators to achieve. Trolls would be sidelined. Any comments on sites would be linked to one’s Facebook identity.
“Based on feedback from developers about ways to improve our existing comments plugin, we’re testing an updated plugin that leverages authenticity and social relevancy to increase distribution,” said Facebook.
Facebook’s argument is that transparency improves commentary. Cynics will argue that it is another attempt by Facebook to know more about the millions of people who interact with the Web and share information, and ultimately Facebook will be able to use this social information to further tailor ad messages to individuals. Whatever one’s opinion, the days of the troll could be numbered.