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Following a story on Gizmodo claiming that Facebook was using information users never willingly gave up, Facebook confirmed that it uses 2FA phone numbers to send targeted ads to users. Facebook users noticed they were getting spammed on their 2FA phone numbers a couple of months ago, but the company called it a "bug" back then. Apparently, that bug is now a feature. As of May this year, you don't have to use your phone number for 2FA, and Facebook says that's exactly how users can opt out of the service.
Here's the statement, attributed to a Facebook spokesperson: "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." A spokesman also told us that users can opt out of this ad-based repurposing of their security digits by not using phone number based 2FA. (Albeit, the company only added the ability to do non-mobile phone based 2FA back in May, so anyone before then was all outta luck.)
Here's the statement, attributed to a Facebook spokesperson: "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." A spokesman also told us that users can opt out of this ad-based repurposing of their security digits by not using phone number based 2FA. (Albeit, the company only added the ability to do non-mobile phone based 2FA back in May, so anyone before then was all outta luck.)