Facebook Now Has Quick Delete Account Option?

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There are reports that Facebook introduced a quick way to delete an account.

Recent reports are indicating that Facebook has quietly introduced a Delete Account option for users wanting to quickly bail out on the social website. Rather than listed as "Deactivate Account" in the profile settings, the option now supposedly reads as "Deactivate or Delete Account."

Previously Facebook provided an extended means to delete an account, allowing users to simply remove their page from the database, locking out other Facebook users via account deactivation. This gave users the option of changing their minds before wiping their entire library of photos and comments from Facebook forever.

"If you want to reactivate at some point, we do save your profile information (friends, photos, interests, etc.), and your account will look just the way it did when you deactivated if you decide to reactivate it," the company said. "Many users deactivate their accounts for temporary reasons and expect their information to be there when they return to the service."

But for those who still wished to nuke their profiles (or parents wanting to remove their children from Facebook), the website provided a deletion request found on this page. Apparently the new method bypasses this long and drawn-out process by providing the new fast-track option.

Now here's the kicker: Facebook's terms of service allows the site to keep your information once it's been assimilated into its collective. "We may retain certain information to prevent identity theft and other misconduct even if deletion has been requested," Facebook's Privacy Policy reads. "Removed and deleted information may persist in backup copies for up to 90 days, but will not be available to others."

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Kevin Parrish

Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then, he’s loved all things PC-related and cool gadgets ranging from the New Nintendo 3DS to Android tablets. He is currently a contributor at Digital Trends, writing about everything from computers to how-to content on Windows and Macs to reviews of the latest laptops from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more. 

17 Comments Comment from the forums
  • chickenhoagie
    "We may retain certain information to prevent identity theft and other misconduct even if deletion has been requested,"


    ------------

    to prevent identity theft..pssh, doubt that.
    Reply
  • Nightskeeter
    "We may retain certain information to prevent identity theft and other misconduct even if deletion has been requested,"

    Laughs. If you get your Identity stolen on FACEBook, you shouldn't use a computer. Last time I checked, they would need your social security number.

    Only silly people type that online.

    And only, well.. Brainless people would GIVE it out to people.


    I to, think they are hiding the real truth behind it.
    Reply
  • Hovaucf
    Your identity can be stolen with much less than your ss#, such as your name & dob which i'm sure many facebook users have listed.
    Reply
  • opmopadop
    Erm, why is this hiding in tiny font in this story :

    "Marcus Yam; great articles."
    Reply
  • adikos
    /push
    Reply
  • d-block
    yay
    Reply
  • tu_illegalamigo
    It`s that damn NSA again, with Martians and Kennedy`s assassins thrown in as well. I hope they just keep your info in order to sell you more shit since facebook info is passed around so much, not that they`re building a "file" on me. /hope
    Reply
  • bloodymaze
    Facebook --> Fail. Sorry I hate it, it's turned into a teenager haven and got ruined from all the damn games they try to put on there, its more about farmville, yoville, ville ville ville etc than networking now.
    Reply
  • p05esto
    Facebook/Twitter please die already, your time is over...move on, go get a real life.
    Reply
  • idisarmu
    Hey guys! Tomshardware blocks your SIN number! See: ****************

    /sarcasm. Like the others said: only idiots get their identities stolen.
    Reply