Fed up with the repetitive privacy goofs, Facebook’s new Open Graph API and Protocol, and their apparent disregard for their users’ privacy, what was once thought impossible is now happening: People are deleting their Facebook accounts, and I suspect we are going to start seeing large numbers of people doing so.
Sounds like a rather unhappy birthday for FB’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.
Facebook makes it rather easy to “deactivate” your account, which temporarily hides your profile, pictures and other information from the rest of the site. However, when it comes to *permanently* deleting your account, good luck finding it. It is buried deep in the FB help sections, almost like they don’t want you to delete your account. Ever.
First Things First
If you are using Facebook to login to other sites and services, you’ll need to address them before deleting your account.
Login to each of the sites that you are using with Facebook Connect and make sure you have a alternate method of logging in. Log out, and then back in using the alternate credentials. Do this for each site you’ve used Facebook Connect with.
Get Prepared to Delete Your Account
Next, you’ll likely want to archive at least some of the information you’ve posted. Pictures typically rise to the top of this short list, but the ArchiveFacebook plugin for Firefox will help you extract a whole lot more.
This browser plugin allows you to backup the following data from your soon to be deleted FB account:
After adding ArchiveFacebook to Firefox, you’ll want to do some housekeeping before you get started. By default, ArchiveFacebook will store your archived FB data in your Firefox profile. Probably not the best place for it to live.
Click the ArchiveFB menu item in Firefox, then select Show in Sidebar. In the sidebar that just opened, click Tools, Options.
Select Organize and change Location to Store Data to somewhere convenient, and somewhere you’ll back it up.
Now you’re ready to extract your data. Login to Facebook and then select ArchiveFB > Archive.
Click OK and be patient as your data is extracted. If you have lots of information, this might take awhile. If during the process it appears to get stuck, press Pause and then Start to kick things into gear.
Now It’s Time to Delete Your Account
Click here: http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=delete_account
When prompted, click Submit to start the account deletion.
Enter your password into the popup box confirm you are not a robot, and click Okay.
You will then receive an email confirmation that your account is scheduled for deletion. This takes 14 days. During this time, *do not login to your Facebook account in any manner.* Don’t click a website’s Like or Share buttons, and lastly, don’t use Facebook Connect to login to any 3rd party website.
—-
If you enjoy learning about new trending tech topics, gadgets, toys, and other digital creative fun stuff, you won’t want to miss out on our monthly Stress-Free Digital Lifestyle Newsletter!
We cover Tech Tips & Tricks, Creative Software, Important Security Updates, and the tech news stories you want to know about.
It’s FUN, it’s FREE, and it takes less than 10 seconds to sign up. Now that’s fast!
   |
Danielle Edberg (325)
Maximilian Lemos (309)
Ashley Smith (119)
Make It Work Media Team (64)
Vanessa Rivers (48)
Garvan Kuskey (48)
Jacob Greenspan (41)
Chris Foley (32)
[...] Need help properly deleting your Facebook account…Click here for detailed instructions [...]
[...] posted a few days ago on how to COMPLETELY delete your Facebook account. It is a comprehensive guide. Make sure you read it through [...]
[...] really going to make good on their promise to delete their Facebook profiles on May 31st. Our own Jeremy Anticouni even wrote an article explaining how to delete your Facebook Account, just in case you’re [...]
[...] If you would like to *permanently* delete your Facebook account, it’s not an easy task, but it can be done. Jeremy breaks down how he did it, step-by-step HERE. [...]
THANKS, MAKEITWORK! GREAT DEMO!
I DID IT THIS AM ON LEO LA PORTES PROGRAM INFO… BUT YOU TAKE IT FURTHER.
ABOUT THE 'OTHER STUFF' THAT MIGHT NEED ATTENTION!!!
GREAT WORK. LJ
[...] profiles altogether. We’re interested in knowing what camp you fall in. Are you going to delete your Facebook profile on May 31? Are YOU concerned about the recent round of Facebook privacy [...]
While most might find these instructions easy, I am not that savvy and so I cannot for the life of me visualize that many people understanding how to do all of this stuff, I feel dupped.
Hi SuzyQ. Thanks for commenting.
I think that you meant to say you feel Duped, and if so, then your comment strikes right to the heart of this Facebook issue. Many people are feeling duped, as Zuckerberg and friends have created a system that requires people to be more tech-savvy than they are to remain fully aware of the potential security threats.
The thousands of customers that we service on a regular basis look to us to help spell out the steps required to protect themselves and their families online, which is why Jeremy took the time to put together this article. If you are concerned about your online security, and you've made the decision to delete your Facebook profile, you'll do just fine if you follow these steps one by one.
If you get stuck, or get nervous, give us a call, and we'll be happy to help you out.
Take good care, and stay safe online!
[...] to Facebook will remain on their servers despite your deleting your account. I suggest that you start by archiving all of your Facebook data because you probably will want those picture and videos at some later time. You should then [...]
[...] If you would like to *permanently* delete your Facebook account, it’s not an easy task, but it can be done. Jeremy breaks down how he did it, step-by-step HERE. [...]