It would appear that Facebook has another privacy issue that is upsetting its users. The company is apparently using your phone number, which you set up for the 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) security, for a user lookup feature.
According to a recent report, these phone numbers have been associated with people’s Facebook profiles without them knowing, and there is apparently no way to disable it.
This issue was originally discovered by Jeremy Burge. You can see what he had to say about it in the tweet below.
For years Facebook claimed the adding a phone number for 2FA was only for security. Now it can be searched and there’s no way to disable that. pic.twitter.com/zpYhuwADMS
— Jeremy Burge 🐥🧿 (@jeremyburge) March 1, 2019
Implications of the Privacy Breach
So basically, anyone with or without a Facebook account can look up a user profile from the phone number that the person added to their account for two-factor authentication. As you can imagine, people are less than impressed with this latest Facebook revelation.
The implications of this privacy breach are significant. Users who believed they were adding an extra layer of security to their accounts by providing their phone numbers for 2FA now find themselves exposed to potential privacy invasions. This breach of trust can lead to various issues, including unwanted contact, harassment, and even identity theft.
Moreover, the inability to disable this feature adds to the frustration. Users are left with no control over how their personal information is being used, which contradicts the very essence of privacy and security that 2FA is supposed to provide.
Facebook’s Response and User Reactions
Facebook has faced numerous privacy scandals over the years, and this latest issue only adds to the growing list. The company has yet to provide a satisfactory response to this particular problem. While Facebook claims that the phone numbers are used to improve user experience and security, the lack of transparency and control has left users feeling betrayed.
Many users have taken to social media to express their outrage. Some have even gone as far as to delete their Facebook accounts, citing this breach of trust as the final straw. Others are calling for stricter regulations and oversight to ensure that tech companies like Facebook are held accountable for their actions.
In the broader context, this incident highlights the ongoing struggle between user privacy and the business models of tech giants. Companies like Facebook rely heavily on user data to generate revenue, often at the expense of user privacy. This creates a conflict of interest that is difficult to reconcile.
In conclusion, Facebook’s use of phone numbers provided for 2FA as a user lookup feature is a significant privacy issue that has upset many users. The lack of transparency and control over personal information is a serious concern, and it remains to be seen how Facebook will address this issue. As users become more aware of the importance of privacy, tech companies will need to find a balance between their business models and the trust of their users.
Source TechCrunch
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
