It is certainly concerning that a phone number handed over in the name of security could be used for other things, but Facebook says that the settings highlighted "are nothing new", telling TechCrunch that "the setting applies to any phone numbers you added to your profile and isn't specific to any feature".
It is possible to set up 2FA without using a phone number, but this is the most popular, obvious and convenient route taken by users. Facebook says that the search-by-mobile-number option makes it easier to track down people you are not yet friends with on the social network, seemingly oblivious to the fact that this is precisely the point of concern. TechCrunch asked the company if an opt-out option would be added in light of the concern that had been voiced, but Facebook refused to comment on future plans.
For years Facebook claimed the adding a phone number for 2FA was only for security. Now it can be searched and there's no way to disable that. pic.twitter.com/zpYhuwADMS
— Jeremy Burge 🐥🧿 (@jeremyburge) March 1, 2019
For years Facebook claimed the adding a phone number for 2FA was only for security. Now it can be searched and there's no way to disable that. pic.twitter.com/zpYhuwADMS
— Jeremy Burge 🐥🧿 (@jeremyburge) March 1, 2019
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