Facebook Mandatory Timeline & Phone No.?

[TheMatsjo]

I've just been locked out of my facebook account, the site is telling me that I can't access my account unless I provide a phone number that they can send a confirmation code. Then, when looking around for information on this I read that fb is implementing mandatory Timeline [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/24/facebook-timeline_n_1228800.html] for all facebook users.

To me, both those things are unacceptable, and if it turns out that I am indeed forced to provide a mobile phone number I'll remove my account. But, I don't really want to do that, and was hoping that there might be a way around this? Does anybody have a workaround or tip? In addition, is anyone else running into this? What do you make of all this?

Cheers.

 

[Hazy992]

I've not heard that before. If it's true though then fuck that, I'm not giving them my number. They have enough information they don't need that too.

 

[A Raging Emo]

I've heard about this, but I'm unsure when it's going to occur in the UK?

I've been intending to delete my Facebook account for quite some time now, but I'd rather not have all of that up there without it being monitored by me, hence why it's still in existence.

I'm also not to keen on them retaining my information.

 

[Jharry5]

I've not ran into that yet. Though each time I do log in, it does ask if I want to attach a mobile number to improve security or something. If it does become mandatory, I'll finally follow through with what I've been saying for ages and actually delete my account.

 

[McMullen]

Facebook, you're a very successful website, but you're going to go through the 2010's thinking that people don't like you because you're a big company now, and I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that that isn't true. It'll be because you're an asshole.

 

[About69AngryMidgets]

Dont have a facebook. Dont need one. Dont want one. And now i got real reasons not to.

 

[TheMatsjo]

my friend swears there is some secret link that can get your data deleted in 2 weeks and not 1 year

This should be the link [http://en-gb.facebook.com/help/search/?q=i+want+to+permanently+delete+my+account] you're looking for. I haven't checked to see if my old fb account has indeed been deleted yet (fear of reactivation), but that should do it.

Facebook, you're a very successful website, but you're going to go through the 2010's thinking that people don't like you because you're a big company now, and I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that that isn't true. It'll be because you're an asshole.

That was a good movie, too bad it made Zuckonit look more like a hero than a ponce.

I've been doodling around, and came across Diaspora* [http://diasporaproject.org/], I'm checking it out as a possible alternative, it's still in alpha but apparently very promising. Not sold on leaving facebook just yet (hoping for workaround), but this might just be the one.

Cheerio

 

[evilneko]

I ran into the forced phone number thing when Facebook figured out I was running multiple accounts. Fortunately, it was only on one of my three accounts, and the one I least cared about at that, so I just stopped bothering with it.

I just logged out and back in on both my accounts, and so far as I can tell a phone number is not mandatory at all. I was not prevented from accessing either account.

As for timeline, meh. I don't put shit on my facebook anyway, so it'll be as empty as my current profile.

 

[Nouw]

I haven't run into it yet. If I do, I'll have to delete it again because I have no phone.

 

[omega 616]

This is getting a little too personal for my tastes.

Who gives a fuck about half the status updates already posted "I am going to the shop for bread", is that really that important? Now I have to read about how one of friends read some story on some website? Like I give a fuck!

You know that show big brother? The world is soon becoming that house.

 

[Esotera]

Google+, or simply provide a fake number, as it's pretty much impossible for them to validate anything like email addresses or phone numbers if you really don't want them to know. I quit ages ago & then came back for an interstitial account whilst everyone migrates over to google, where hopefully things will be a lot more fun.

 

[TheMatsjo]

Google+, or simply provide a fake number

I'm still locked out, they send a confirmation text message to the number, so it has to be functional. Too bad.

Also I don't want G+.

Does anyone have the information on this?

 

[evilneko]

Google+, or simply provide a fake number

I'm still locked out, they send a confirmation text message to the number, so it has to be functional. Too bad.

Also I don't want G+.

Does anyone have the information on this?

I never found any way around it when Facebook locked out one of my accounts. I'm pretty sure they only do it if they think you're running multiple accounts. The issue hasn't come up on either of my remaining ones.

You could just make another account I guess. I just created a new one, phone is not mandatory.

 

[Random Fella]

Dont have a facebook. Dont need one. Dont want one. And now i got real reasons not to.

I envy you, so much
Facebook is definitely treating it's users like it's bitches right now
You'de think they'de allow you to have your profile how YOU want it? But no they'de rather force you to abide by their terrible profile design
Seriously, it zig zags your posts so you get confused of when you posted what
As for the cellphone number, I've never heard of that, but if they try to demand mine with a text message that will be the last straw, I'll just find another way to communicate with my real life friends.

 

[halfeclipse]

Congratulations, you downloaded a virus and your account got taken over. Facebook locked it so it would stop being used to send spam/viruses/both to your friends and that's the "I'm a real person" check. Run a virus scan, give it the phone number and stop going to sketchy porn sites.

 

[WaysideMaze]

my mobiles synced to my facebook account anyway, so I'm not too fussed. Plus, aside from my mobile and an email address, there is no information about me on facebook. No name, address, employment history etc. Quite a few drunk pictures though.

I'm suprised that they're doing this tbh, since I know people who just don't have a phone. They don't want/need one. So are they not allowed on FB now?

 

[Akimoto]

I don't think the phone number is a problem. At worst it opens me up to telemarketers, at best it is just one of the many password-recovery services provided by other companies. However I dislike the TimeLine, but that's mostly out of discomfort - I can still choose who to open it to and I even have the option to close it completely.

I suspect the TimeLine is a means of gathering marketing data. Don't forget, FaceBook has gone IPO. Most companies from what I understand won't go IPO unless they had planned to in the beginning. With IPO, companies can buy shares and get easier access than otherwise to user data.

What troubles me the most is the IPO. Shareholders have a say in the general runnings of the company involved. It's probably best to be aware of the largest shareholder - if it's the FBI or CIA I'll close my account but that's just an extreme example.

 

[TheMatsjo]

Congratulations, you downloaded a virus and your account got taken over. Facebook locked it so it would stop being used to send spam/viruses/porn/all three to your friends and that's the "I'm a real person" check.

Nope. I use linux, have had no virus; have only one account, use no apps. My account has not sent any spam, I checked via a friend. Try not to presume, even though you probably meant well.

Have you ever had this happen to you? If so, why don't they just tell me that instead with a notification on the login screen? I'd be very surprised if this even happens at all.

Cheers.

 

[Akimoto]

snip

Nope. I use linux, have had no virus; have only one account, use no apps. My account has not sent any spam, I checked via a friend. Try not to presume, even though you probably meant well.

Have you ever had this happen to you? If so, why don't they just tell me that instead with a notification on the login screen? I'd be very surprised if this even happens at all.

Cheers.

Have you tried logging in from another computer? Using a linux does not mean completely virus free, just less than the sh*t-load windows have.

If you want to, PM me the web site, I'll try and check it out if it's legit.