In a much-anticipated move, Blizzard has added a full opt-out option to its Real ID service, which will span across all of its enabled games - currently World of Warcraft and StarCraft II, and likely Diablo III.
In a statement on the World of Warcraft forums, a Blizzard community representative noted a few changes to the company's Real ID program, which allows players to connect across Battle.net by sharing their real-life names. Should players desire, they may now opt-out of the Real ID "Friends of Friends" and "Add Facebook Friends" features. Players can also choose to fully disable the service.
We'd like to make you aware of the new Real ID-related privacy options we've introduced to Battle.net. These options provide Real ID users with additional tools for customizing the service based on their preferences, enabling the ability to opt in or out of the Real ID "Friends of Friends" and "Add Facebook Friends" features or to turn off Real ID altogether.
Real ID offers an optional, convenient way for keeping in touch with real-world friends you know and trust, whether they're playing World of Warcraft, StarCraft II, or one of our future games. The "Friends of Friends" and "Add Facebook Friends" features provide you with even more options to stay connected while you play by making it easier for real-life friends to locate each other on Battle.net.
Blizzard sparked controversy in July when the company announced its proposed plans to require users to post under their Real ID names across message boards. Players who wish to change their privacy settings can do so through the Communication Preferences page on Battle.net.
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