Facebook is thinking of changing the way the initial profile setup works. We are debating removing the mandatory profile picture upload. Should we do this?

This question is testing your problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, user understanding, and awareness of online safety implications. It's also exploring your thoughts towards changes in an existing system, which in this case, is Facebook's initial profile setting functionality. Here, the topic of debate is specifically the removal of mandatory profile picture upload - a standard feature in many social media platforms. To effectively answer this question, you may want to consider the following aspects:

1. Facebook's user demographics and preferences - Do different users have different needs? What portion of users would prefer not having to upload a profile picture initially and why?
2. Implications on user interaction - How might this change affect how users interact with each other, perceive each other's profiles, or use Facebook's features?
3. Safety considerations - Would this facilitate or prevent fake or bot accounts?
4. Implementation - How might this change be implemented in a way that benefits Facebook and its users?

Remember, this question isn't necessarily about finding a 'right' answer but more about presenting a well-thought response which considers various factors impacting Facebook’s ecosystem.

Removing the mandatory profile picture upload could be beneficial for users who prioritize privacy and don't feel comfortable sharing their pictures. It helps to ensure users only share their photos when they feel comfortable to do so. It may also ease the signup process, making it simpler and faster, thus encouraging more sign-ups especially for users more focused on using Facebook for consuming content rather than socializing. However, reducing the number of profiles with pictures may potentially affect social interaction on the platform as profile pictures help users to identify and connect with each other. It could also skew the perceived authenticity of an account and might inadvertently encourage anonymous or fake profiles.

We noted that Facebook Glass, our new eyewear product, needs a profile picture to create a more personalized experience. If profile pictures are made non-mandatory, it might affect the user experience of Facebook Glass and similar products. So, a potential compromise could be to let users skip this step initially but gently encourage and remind them later to upload their picture to enhance their overall Facebook experience.

Removing the mandatory profile picture feature on facebook could create a more inclusive environment for those who aren't ready to share their images immediately upon setting up. This could attract new user groups who shy away from social media due to privacy concerns and images being misused. However, as Facebook is primarily a social platform, profile pictures play a crucial role in humanizing interactions and decreasing anonymity.

The implications for online safety should also be considered. The prerequisite of having a profile picture can serve as a deterrent to bots and fake accounts. If Facebook were to remove this mandatory step, a robust mechanism should be in place to minimize the creation of such accounts.

From a business perspective, profiling enables targeted ads which are a major revenue stream for Facebook. User profile pictures add an additional layer of demographic information, hence Facebook must weigh the loss of this data against the possible gain in user volume.