Phenquestions
Facebook has had a bad reputation when it comes to dealing user security and privacy issues. Because, it loves doing unusual things, not at all good from user's point of view. On most occasions, it adds new features and forces them on you by default. I have observed it changing user license agreement every now and then, modifying the terms and conditions of use and what not.
Facebook Imported Contacts Tool
During my recent experience, I found the service just imported all the contacts from my Android Phone into my Facebook account's phonebook. Before this, I never knew that I had a phonebook on Facebook, nor had I requested for it anytime. Although Facebook explains it just uses the contact information to transfer it from a phone to Facebook and never uploads anything, the behavior of the service leaves me somewhat bemused.
Furthermore, Facebook tries to convince me by saying that it uses Phonebook to provide more relevant friend suggestions but I don't need someone or for that matter any service to help me find friends, unless I ask for so. If any free service, I enjoy using asks for my data in exchange for the service I receive, I would rather not participate!
Amid all discussions I realized that you just don't need to be careful about what information you are sharing willingly/tentatively on Facebook (that's of course if you have a Facebook account), but also what 'other' people might be sharing about you, if you do not have an account. Looking around, I stumbled across a blog post that made me write this one!
Although, Imported Contacts tool in Facebook appears to be a key tool for finding people you may already know the truth is that the website might know your email address and phone number because of what your friends might have shared with the website, even if you have never had a Facebook account! Surprised? Me, too!
All said, should you decide to remove this feature, you will be warned by Facebook that “friend suggestions for you and your friends may be become less relevant” and that “your phonebook will no longer include synced contacts, but will display the contact info of friends who have included it on their profiles”. This is fine for me as I never use Phonebook to make calls.
If you are like me - privacy conscious, I suggest you don't be dumb anymore and tighten up your privacy settings in the first place. Here's how to go about!
Remove all imported contacts on Facebook
- If you have a Facebook account, simply visit here and hit the 'Remove' button.
- Thereafter, you will receive a message that your request is being processed and you will be notified once it's completed.
- Soon, I received a notification that my request has been processed and completed.
That's it! If you are using a mobile device for accessing your Facebook account, you will need to turn off syncing by going to Facebook App > Friends > Sync.
Bottom line: Do yourself and your friends a favor - Remove all imported contacts on Facebook!
