Original post 2012
Message circulating on Facebook claims that, as an anti-spam measure, users will be required to enter their social security numbers when they login to the network from Expect this one to rear its ugly head in April around tax time.
The claims in the message are false. Facebook will not require users to login with their social security numbers. The claims originate from an article published on a satirical humor website. The article is intended as satire and was never meant to be taken in any way seriously.
Updated:
A message has circulated for years claiming that Facebook will soon require users to provide their Social Security Number to keep their accounts active.
The message is usually written as an urgent warning and encourages people to share it quickly.
This claim is false.
Where the Rumor Came From
Like many Facebook hoaxes from around 2012, this message spread during a time of confusion about privacy, identity, and account policies.
It often appeared alongside other viral claims about Facebook changing its rules without notice.
What Facebook Actually Requires
Facebook does have identity policies.
In some cases, users may be asked to verify their identity if:
- their account is flagged
- their name appears to violate policy
- there are security concerns
This may involve submitting identification — but this is limited and case-specific.
When Social Security Numbers May Be Requested
There are a few situations today where Facebook may request tax-related information:
- selling through Marketplace with payments
- running certain types of business transactions
In those cases, information like a Social Security Number may be required for tax reporting purposes.
What the Hoax Gets Wrong
The viral message claims:
- all users will be required to submit SSN
- accounts will be deleted without it
- the change is immediate and widespread
None of this is true.
What to Watch For
Messages like this follow a familiar pattern:
- urgent tone
- lack of clear source
- instructions to share
These are strong signs of a hoax.
Final Thought
Facebook has changed many things over the years, but it does not require Social Security Numbers for normal use.
If you see a message claiming otherwise:
Don’t share it
Check the source
Assume it’s outdated or false