Facebook will allow patients in support groups to post questions anonymously

• Facebook has provided a way for patients to post their questions anonymously, via administrators who will share it on their behalf.
• It is also rolling out a special designation, called “health support” groups.
• Facebook is increasingly focusing on the health sector, an emerging area of interest for the company.

First published on CNBC.com. Christina Farr | @chrissyfarr

In a rare break with Facebook’s tradition of forcing users to post under their real names, the company will let people post sensitive health-related information anonymously to Facebook Groups, the company announced Tuesday.

Specifically, users will be able to send posts to the administrators of these groups, many of which are secret or closed, to post questions on their behalf. It also separates groups that are dedicated to health issues with a special “health support” designation.

The changes could help people feel more confident posting to these groups, which are often sponsored or supported by drug companies. Ensuring that these groups are active and vibrant could help Facebook as it increasingly looks to health care and pharmaceutical companies for advertising.

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