Searches for how to delete Facebook and Instagram are skyrocketing after it emerged the social media site would no longer use fact checkers.
The move from third-party fact checkers to what Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg calls community notes — similar to the system used by Elon Musk’s X —will be the last straw for many users of Facebook, Instagram and Threads.
It comes as Facebook’s competitors such as BlueSky see an influx of users concerned about privacy after leaving Elon Musk’s X — which is itself facing increasing criticism.
If you’re a Facebook user planning to delete your account and want to ensure that all your data is permanently removed from Meta’s servers, follow these steps for a quick process: 1. **Backup Your Data (Optional)**: Before deletion, you may want to download a copy of your data. Go to Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information and follow the prompts. 2. **Delete Your Account**: Navigate to Settings > Your Facebook Information > Deactivation and Deletion. Choose "Delete Account" and click "Continue to Account Deletion." 3. **Complete the Deletion Process**: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the deletion. You may be prompted to enter your password. 4. **Wait for the Deletion Period**: Facebook typically holds your account for 30 days post-deletion request in case you change your mind. To ensure all data is erased, do not log back in during this period. 5. **Check for Confirmation**: After the waiting period, you should receive a confirmation that your account, along with all associated data, has been permanently deleted. By following these steps, you can swiftly delete your Facebook account and ensure that your data is removed from Meta’s servers.
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How to Quickly Remove Your Facebook Account
If you’ve made the decision to delete Facebook, you probably want to get it over and done with quickly. Luckily, Facebook itself includes instructions on how to permanently delete your account.
Nonetheless, Facebook's instructions are primarily focused on helping you deactivate your account rather than deleting it, which is suitable if you're considering a break from the social platform but can be frustrating if you've already decided to permanently remove it.
If you have decided, you probably want to download your Facebook information — and the Meta-owned firm has actually published an easy guide on how to do this.
The fastest method to accomplish this is by clicking on your profile picture located in the upper right corner of Facebook.
First, select Settings and Privacy > Settings.
The appearance may vary for different users. If you find the Accounts Center located at the top left of your Settings menu, you can delete your account from that section. Conversely, if the Accounts Center is situated at the bottom left of your Settings, you can also delete your account from that area.
If you utilize Facebook to access various applications, it's essential to switch to a different login method by setting up a unique email and a strong password.
Forbes: New Alert for iPhone and Android Users—Is Your Smartphone Eavesdropping?If you decide to reconsider, you have the option to cancel within a 30-day period. According to Facebook, "Once the 30 days have passed, your account and all associated information will be permanently erased, and retrieval of your data will no longer be possible."
The company states that it could take as long as 90 days from the initiation of the process to completely remove all your posts. During this deletion period, the information will not be available to other users.
What Occurs When You Remove Your Facebook Account
Once you delete your Facebook account, the action is irreversible, and you will not have the option to reactivate it.
Forbes Issues New iPhone Spyware Alert—Here’s What Steps You Should TakeIt's important to keep in mind that even after you delete your account, certain information, like the messages you've shared with friends, may remain accessible to them. According to Meta, copies of the messages you sent will still be saved in your friends' inboxes.
If you log into Meta Quest using your Facebook account, be aware that deleting your Facebook account will result in the loss of all your information, including any app purchases and achievements associated with it.
I reached out to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, for further comments and will provide updates on this story if I receive a response from them.
Is Deleting Facebook the Right Choice for You?
Choosing to delete Facebook is a tough choice for many. A lot of individuals rely on it to stay connected with their friends and family.
Temporarily deactivating your Facebook account can be a great way to take a break from the platform. If you want to cut back on your usage without fully deleting your account, consider uninstalling the app from your smartphone and accessing Facebook through a web browser instead. This approach can help minimize the data it gathers while still allowing you to stay connected when needed.
Be sure to apply the same guidelines to Instagram and Threads if you use those platforms, since they are also under Meta's ownership and the updated rules are applicable there as well.