Updated at foot of post.
This is still developing, as we’re seeing mixed reports around the Internet. However, it appears that Facebook has released a Delete Account option, in addition to the previous Deactivate Account.
In the past, in order to delete your account, there were quite a few hoops that a user had to jump through. This new feature appears to make the account deletion process considerably easier.
According to a report on Slashdot, the option (which appears to only be showing for some users), will “permanently delete your account and all information you have shared”. It is worthy to note, however, that Facebook’s terms of service allow the site to keep that information once it has been acquired.
It is also interesting that, in the past, a user would have to not touch a “deleted” account for 14 days after deletion in order to complete the process. The previous way of doing things was quite buried, but eventually led you to this page.
It’s a big jump, for Facebook, if it turns out to be true. We’ve contacted Facebook, and we’re trying to get a screenshot of the option. To see for yourself, head to your Account Settings.
Update: Confirmed by a Facebook representative
…we are constantly testing new ideas, including the placement of various features. One of these recent tests included variations of the delete account option for a very small percentage of people.
We’ve yet to see a screenshot from anyone in this “small percentage”, but it’s good to know that it’s more than just something out of the rumor mill.
I delited mine, but had to wait 14 days for the profile to be completely deleted.
nice article! but the easiest way to DELETE your facebook account permanently (and backup ALL yor data) is http://www.goodfbye.com
2 clicks and you’re done!
;-)
I used the delete option when I left FB after the last big “privacy” fiasco. And before using the delete account I manually deleted every piece of info FB allows. They still keep your IP address and pass that on to their partners. I hate FB and everything they do now. I hate being spied on and info collected about me. I have nothing to hide, I am quite boring really but I hate the idea of big brother and FB as big brother is indeed terrifying. Since they keep your IP address it doesn’t make a difference if you can “delete” your info or not. They continue to track you and so do their partners. I asked to have them delete my IP address and they replied they don’t have the time to do that!
What if you accidentally delete the account, can it still be retrieved? I know someone who deactivated her account but then she was back again with the same account and still same content.
Just deleted my account on a test period. Now to see if I hold out for the full 14 days ;)
Hi everyone. I’m the Product Manager at Facebook working on this test. I just wanted to clarify a few things.
1) We have always offered people the option of either deactivating or deleting their Facebook account. When you deactivate your account, no one can see your profile, but your information is saved in case you decide to reactivate later. Some people leave Facebook only temporarily and expect their information and content to be there for them when they return. If you never want to use Facebook again, you can delete your account. When you delete your account, it’s permanently deleted, and the account can’t be reactivated
2) This is one of many tests that we’re always running. The test includes a variation of the account deletion option for a small percentage of users. Testing potential features is an important part of our product development process, and tells us if they benefit users in the way we think they will, what we might do to make them even better, and in some instances, when we need to go back to the drawing board
3) When someone chooses to delete their account, we let them know that their account will be fully removed from the site in 14 days–this hasn’t changed. We do this largely to combat abusive behavior we’ve seen where account hijackers will wrongly deactivate or delete accounts
Thank you for the clarifications, David.
It would be great if we could get this sort of response when we ask for comment.
What about recovering deleted business pages? I am an admin for a business page. Our page was accidentally deleted and we need to have that page, fans, ads, etc. recovered. Is that possible? I haven’t found any way to contact facebook and the help section does not provide any insight into this. Any help would be appreciated…
Perhaps with 500 million friends, Facebook has finally developed sufficient self-confidence to let some friends go without kicking up a fuss. :)
because my brother has entre same email address
my little brother play with my email address plus he enter my name twise
Account deletion *CHALLENGE* – Facebook will not likely ever let go of YOUR information. Prove me wrong and delete your account.
Even finding the account deletion option is NOT easy. Try searching for it in help.
Follow their process to the letter. That was SOOO easy right??
You ASSUME that because Facebook CONFIRMED that your account would be PERMANENTLY deleted in 14 days, they would actually do it!! HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA Like Mark Z. said, we are all idiots for believing him.
NOW for the fun part. Wait the full 14 days. Even better wait 20 days. Attempt to log back in to your permanently deleted account. SURPRISE – IT’S STILL THERE and you get a message asking that you CONFIRM your request to delete the account.
After you confirm the deletion (now this part is hilarious) they again confirm that your account will be deleted in guess how long??? You got it, an additional 14 days.
You will never successfully delete your account.
i want to delete my facebook account now
my account is disabled how i can anable it please help me help me
plz delete my account from face book permanently
i don’t want facebook.
i just want to leave facebook..i want to make new account on yahoo with another name….thnx