On Facebook, every user can now be found via cell phone number
Facebook users can now be found using their cell phone numbers, even if they provided them solely for security reasons. The change has drawn sharp criticism.
Facebook lacks even the slightest trace of decency, writes tech journalist Walt Mossberg on Twitter. And Sonos co-founder speaks of a "complete ethical bankruptcy". This is reported, among other things Sueddeutsche.de. The quotes refer to a change that made the rounds on Twitter on Friday: Facebook users can now no longer select the option that they cannot be found by anyone through the mobile number search. The only options left are "everyone", "friends of friends" or "friends". It is not yet clear how long Facebook has been removing the last option.
Since April 2018, it has no longer been possible to search for users directly by cell phone number or email address via the search bar, as a Facebook spokesperson emphasized. However, third parties can display users by granting Facebook access to their own address book. The social network matches the data and links the cell phone numbers.
The procedure has met with fierce criticism from experts and data protectionists. This is because many Facebook users did not enter their number because they wanted to make themselves identifiable, but because it was necessary when registering: a code is sent to the cell phone, which must be entered for security reasons. This confirms that you are a real, existing person. If the profile falls into the wrong hands, you can get it back using your own cell phone number. Two-factor authentication ensures security on the Internet. It has now become clear - once again - that Facebook does not focus on this aspect. Cell phone numbers are valuable data that make people identifiable and assignable, regardless of what other data they disclose about themselves and whether it is true. For example, they can be used to easily merge data from the accounts of the Group's own companies WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.
Sueddeutsche.de also points out that there is a way to remove your cell phone number from your Facebook account. An app such as Google Authenticator or Authy can be added under "Settings"/"Security and login"/"Two-step authentication", which makes a phone number unnecessary. This is also more secure because text messages can be intercepted by attackers.
It is unclear whether Facebook will actually delete the cell phone number. Because: The company gives in your own help area for example, to assign numbers to accounts, even if the users have not added them themselves. All it takes is for a friend to share their address book with Facebook or WhatsApp.
It has been known for years that Facebook has never focused on user data protection, but primarily on the monetization of data, and this should no longer really surprise anyone. It is more than questionable whether the once all-powerful network, which is continuously losing its appeal, especially among a younger target group, is preparing for the future as a result of data protection scandals - such as the Cambridge Analytica case or now the misuse of two-factor authentication.
