Facebook is using your 2FA phone number to target you with ads

[Brink]

Alongside the myriad other scandals the social network is currently embroiled in, it recently emerged this week that the company is using its users' need for security as a means of invading their privacy.

The company yesterday issued a statement confirming that phone numbers provided by users to Facebook for the purpose of securing their account via two-factor authentication were, in turn, being used by Facebook to serve up ads.

Two-factor authentication, if you're not familiar, is a security measure that aims to secure your account by adding a second step to the login process in addition to requiring a password. This is usually done by asking you to insert a code sent to your phone.

The statement from the Facebook spokesperson reads,

"We use the information people provide to offer a better, more personalized experience on Facebook, including ads. We are clear about how we use the information we collect, including the contact information that people upload or add to their own accounts. You can manage and delete the contact information you’ve uploaded at any time.”

Read more:

• Facebook sinks to new low by using phone number provided for 2FA to target users with ads - Neowin
• Yes Facebook is using your 2FA phone number to target you with ads TechCrunch

 

[Brds7t7]

Nothing surprises me with Facebook anymore.

Just glad I got away from it years ago!

 

[townsbg]

I don't like their setup but with something so high profile I feel better with 2FA. Quite some time ago I blocked the number used to text that code and I only use the authenticator app registered to my account. I haven't gotten any ads but knock on wood.

 

[file3456]

Glad I ditched that asinine BS website. And SMS 2FA is NOT the way to go. Authy would be a lot better. If you use Authy there is also a desktop program and once you have both on your desktop and your phone, I'd turn off allowing other installs via Authy's settings. This way others can't clone or do what ever with your Authy account. SMS 2FA can be broken by a Sim card clone and many phone stores can be paid off to do it.