533 million Facebook database download: What you need to know
In April 2021, a massive data leak exposed the personal information of more than 533 million Facebook users from 106 countries. The leaked data included phone numbers, Facebook IDs, full names, locations, birthdates, bios, and email addresses. The data was posted on a hacking forum for anyone to download for free.
This is not the first time that Facebook has faced a data breach scandal. In 2018, the Cambridge Analytica incident revealed that the political consulting firm had harvested the data of millions of Facebook users without their consent. In 2019, Facebook admitted that it had stored hundreds of millions of user passwords in plain text, accessible by its employees.
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But this latest data leak is different in several ways. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive data breaches in history, affecting more than 10% of Facebook's 2.8 billion monthly active users. It also exposes the vulnerability of Facebook's systems and the lack of transparency and accountability from the social media giant.
In this article, we will explain what the Facebook data leak is, how it happened, what kind of data was leaked, why it is a big deal, how to check if your data was leaked, and how to protect your data from future leaks.
Introduction
What is the Facebook data leak?
The Facebook data leak is a massive collection of personal information that was scraped from Facebook's platform in 2019 by exploiting a vulnerability in its contact importer feature. The feature allows users to find their friends on Facebook by uploading their phone contacts. The vulnerability allowed hackers to access the phone numbers and other details of millions of Facebook users who had linked their phone numbers to their accounts.
The hackers then used a technique called "reverse lookup" to match the phone numbers with other information available on Facebook's profiles, such as names, locations, birthdates, bios, and email addresses. They compiled all this data into a huge database that contained records of more than 533 million users from 106 countries.
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The database was initially sold on Telegram, a messaging app popular among hackers and cybercriminals, for a fee per record. Later, in April 2021, the entire database was posted on a hacking forum for anyone to download for free. The database was also uploaded to several websites that allow users to check if their data was leaked.
How did the data leak happen?
The data leak happened because of a combination of factors: a flaw in Facebook's system, a lack of security measures, and a delay in fixing the problem.
The flaw in Facebook's system was discovered by security researchers in 2019. They reported that anyone could use Facebook's contact importer feature to query millions of phone numbers at once and get back the corresponding user IDs. This could be done by using automated scripts or bots that could bypass Facebook's rate limits and anti-scraping protections.
The lack of security measures was evident in the fact that Facebook did not require users to verify their phone numbers before linking them to their accounts. This made it easy for hackers to obtain valid phone numbers from other sources, such as leaked databases or online directories, and use them to scrape Facebook's data.
The delay in fixing the problem was also apparent in the fact that Facebook took more than a year to patch the vulnerability after it was reported by the researchers. Facebook claimed that it fixed the issue in August 2019, but the data that was scraped before that date remained in the hands of the hackers. Facebook also did not notify the affected users or the authorities about the data breach, as it argued that the data was publicly available and not hacked from its servers.
What kind of data was leaked?
The data that was leaked included the following types of information:
Phone numbers: The most common and valuable piece of data that was leaked was the phone numbers of more than 533 million users. Phone numbers can be used to identify, track, and contact people, as well as to access other online accounts that use phone verification.
Facebook IDs: The second most common piece of data that was leaked was the Facebook IDs of the users. Facebook IDs are unique identifiers that are assigned to each user and can be used to find their profiles and other information on Facebook.
Full names: The third most common piece of data that was leaked was the full names of the users. Full names can be used to verify identities, conduct background checks, and perform social engineering attacks.
Locations: The fourth most common piece of data that was leaked was the locations of the users. Locations can include country, city, state, and sometimes street address. Locations can be used to target users based on their geographic area, preferences, and behavior.
Birthdates: The fifth most common piece of data that was leaked was the birthdates of the users. Birthdates can be used to determine the age, zodiac sign, and life stage of the users, as well as to guess their passwords and security questions.
Bios: The sixth most common piece of data that was leaked was the bios of the users. Bios are short descriptions that users write about themselves on their profiles. Bios can reveal personal and professional information, such as hobbies, interests, skills, education, and occupation.
Email addresses: The seventh most common piece of data that was leaked was the email addresses of some users. Email addresses can be used to communicate with users, send them spam and phishing emails, and access other online accounts that use email verification.
In addition to these types of information, some records also contained other details, such as gender, relationship status, employer, school, and website.
Why is the Facebook data leak a big deal?
The risks of data breaches and identity theft
The Facebook data leak is a big deal because it exposes millions of users to the risks of data breaches and identity theft. Data breaches are incidents where unauthorized parties access or disclose sensitive or confidential information. Identity theft is a type of fraud where someone uses another person's personal information to impersonate them or to obtain benefits or services in their name.
Data breaches and identity theft can have serious consequences for the victims, such as:
Losing money: Hackers can use the leaked data to access bank accounts, credit cards, online wallets, and other financial services of the users. They can also use the data to apply for loans, open new accounts, or make purchases in their name.
Losing reputation: Hackers can use the leaked data to impersonate users on social media, email, or other platforms. They can also use the data to spread false or malicious information, harass or blackmail users, or damage their personal or professional relationships.
Losing privacy: Hackers can use the leaked data to monitor users' online activity, track their location, or access their personal files and photos. They can also use the data to expose users' secrets, preferences, or behavior.
Losing security: Hackers can use the leaked data to compromise users' devices, networks, or systems. They can also use the data to launch cyberattacks against users' organizations, employers, or customers.
Data breaches and identity theft can also have long-term effects on users' mental health, emotional well-being, and trust in online services.
The implications for privacy and security
The Facebook data leak is also a big deal because it raises questions about Facebook's responsibility and accountability for protecting its users' privacy and security. Privacy is the right of individuals to control their personal information and how it is collected, used, and shared. Security is the protection of personal information and systems from unauthorized access, disclosure, or damage.
Facebook has a history of violating its users' privacy and security, as evidenced by the numerous scandals, lawsuits, and investigations that it has faced over the years. Some of the most notable examples are:
The Cambridge Analytica scandal: In 2018, it was revealed that Facebook had allowed a political consulting firm to harvest the data of millions of users without their consent. The firm used the data to create psychological profiles and influence voters in the 2016 US presidential election and the Brexit referendum.
The FTC settlement: In 2019, Facebook agreed to pay a record-breaking $5 billion fine to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for violating a 2012 consent decree that required it to protect its users' privacy. The FTC accused Facebook of deceiving its users about their ability to control their personal information and failing to prevent third-party apps from accessing their data.
The NSO Group lawsuit: In 2019, Facebook sued an Israeli spyware company for allegedly hacking the phones of more than 1,400 WhatsApp users, including journalists, human rights activists, and political dissidents. The company used a vulnerability in WhatsApp's video call feature to install its malware on the targets' devices.
The Facebook data leak is another example of how Facebook has failed to safeguard its users' privacy and security. It shows that Facebook did not take adequate measures to prevent or detect the data scraping, did not inform or notify the affected users or the authorities, and did not take responsibility or accountability for the incident.
The legal and regulatory consequences
The Facebook data leak is also a big deal because it could have legal and regulatory consequences for Facebook and its users. Depending on the laws and regulations of different countries and regions, Facebook could face fines, lawsuits, investigations, or sanctions for violating data protection and consumer protection rules.
Some of the possible legal and regulatory consequences are:
The GDPR: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union (EU) law that sets strict standards for how personal data is collected, processed, and shared. It also gives individuals the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict their data, as well as to object to or withdraw their consent for its use. The GDPR applies to any organization that offers goods or services to EU residents or monitors their behavior. The GDPR imposes fines of up to 4% of annual global turnover or 20 million (whichever is higher) for non-compliance.
The CCPA: The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a California law that grants California residents the right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold by businesses. It also gives them the right to access, delete, or opt out of the sale of their data. The CCPA applies to any business that collects personal information from California residents and meets certain criteria, such as having annual gross revenues of more than $25 million. The CCPA imposes civil penalties of up to $7,500 per violation for intentional non-compliance.
The LGPD: The Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD) is a Brazilian law that regulates how personal data is collected, processed, and stored by organizations. It also gives individuals the right to access, correct, delete, or anonymize their data, as well as to revoke their consent for its use. The LGPD applies to any organization that processes personal data of individuals located in Brazil, regardless of where the organization is based. The LGPD imposes fines of up to 2% of annual revenue in Brazil or R$50 million (whichever is lower) per violation for non-compliance.
These are just some examples of the legal and regulatory frameworks that could affect Facebook and its users in relation to the data leak. Other countries and regions may have their own laws and regulations that could also apply.
How to check if your data was leaked?
Use online tools to check your exposure
One way to check if your data was leaked is to use online tools that allow you to search for your phone number or email address in the leaked database. Some of these tools are:
Have I Been Pwned: This is a website that lets you check if your email address has been compromised in any data breach. It also recently added a feature that lets you check if your phone number was part of the Facebook data leak. You can visit and enter your email address or phone number (with country code) in the search box.
The News Each Day: This is a website that lets you check if your phone number was part of the Facebook data leak. You can visit and enter your phone number (with country code) in the search box.
Under the Breach: This is a Twitter account that provides updates and insights on data breaches and cyberattacks. It also offers a service that lets you check if your phone number or email address was part of the Facebook data leak. You can send a direct message to with your phone number or email address and wait for a reply.
These tools are not affiliated with Facebook and may not be 100% accurate or reliable. They also may not cover all the records in the leaked database. Therefore, you should use them with caution and discretion.
Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication
Another way to check if your data was leaked is to change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your online accounts, especially on Facebook and other platforms that use your phone number or email address as login credentials. This will help you prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and protect your data from further misuse.
To change your password on Facebook, you can follow these steps:
Go to and click on Security and Login.
Click on Change password under Login.
Enter your current password and a new password that is strong and unique.
Click on Save Changes.
To enable 2FA on Facebook, you can follow these steps:
Go to and click on Security and Login.
Click on Use two-factor authentication under Two-Factor Authentication.
Choose an authentication method, such as text message, authentication app, or security key.
Follow the instructions to set up 2FA for your account.
You should also change your passwords and enable 2FA on other online accounts that use your phone number or email address, such as email, banking, shopping, social media, gaming, or streaming services. You can use a password manager to generate and store strong and unique passwords for each account.
Be alert for phishing and scam attempts
A third way to check if your data was leaked is to be alert for phishing and scam attempts that may use the leaked data to trick you into revealing more information or paying money. Phishing is a type of cyberattack where hackers send fraudulent emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks, government agencies, or online platforms. Scam is a type of fraud where hackers use deception or manipulation to obtain money or goods from unsuspecting victims.
Some of the common signs of phishing and scam attempts are:
The sender's email address or phone number does not match the official source or contains spelling errors or unusual characters.
The message contains urgent or threatening language that asks you to act quickly or face consequences.
The message contains links or attachments that ask you to verify your identity, update your information, or claim a reward.
The message requests personal or financial information that the official source would not normally ask for.
The message offers deals or opportunities that are too good to be true or require upfront payment or fees.
If you receive any suspicious emails or messages that may be related to the Facebook data leak, you should:
Do not click on any links or open any attachments in the message.
Do not reply to the message or provide any information requested.
Delete the message from your inbox or device.
Report the message to the official source or authority.
How to protect your data from future leaks?
Review your privacy settings and limit what you share online
One way to protect your data from future leaks is to review your privacy settings and limit what you share online. Privacy settings are options that allow you to control who can see or access your personal information and activity on online platforms. You should review your privacy settings regularly and adjust them according to your preferences and needs.
To review your privacy settings on Facebook, you can follow these steps:
Go to and click on Privacy.
Review the options under How People Find and Contact You, such as who can see your phone number, email address, or friend requests.
Review the options under Your Activity, such as who can see your future or past posts, stories, or profile information.
Review the options under How People See You on Facebook, such as who can see your friends list, tags, or comments.
Click on Edit next to each option and choose the audience that you want to share with, such as Public, Friends, Only Me, or Custom.
You should also limit what you share online and avoid posting or disclosing sensitive or personal information, such as your phone number, email address, location, birthdate, or financial details. You should also be careful about what you share with third-party apps or websites that connect to your Facebook account and review their privacy policies and permissions.
Use a VPN and a secure browser to encrypt your online activity
Another way to protect your data from future leaks is to use a VPN and a secure browser to encrypt your online activity. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that creates a secure connection between your device and the internet. A secure browser is a web browser that offers enhanced features and settings to protect your privacy and security online.
Using a VPN and a secure browser can help you protect your data from future leaks by:
Hiding your IP address and location from hackers, trackers, and advertisers.
Encrypting your data and traffic from snooping, interception, or tampering.
Bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship on websites and content.
Blocking malicious websites, ads, and pop-ups that may contain malware or phishing.
Deleting your browsing history, cookies, and cache automatically or on demand.
Some examples of VPN services that you can use are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark. Some examples of secure browsers that you can use are Brave, Firefox, or Tor.
Monitor your credit reports and bank statements regularly
A third way to protect your data from future leaks is to monitor your credit reports and bank statements regularly. A credit report is a document that shows your credit history, such as your loans, payments, debts, and credit score. A bank statement is a document that shows your bank account activity, such as your deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and balances.
Monitoring your credit reports and bank statements regularly can help you protect your data from future leaks by:
Detecting any unauthorized or fraudulent transactions or inquiries on your accounts.
Identifying any errors or discrepancies on your records or statements.
Improving your credit score and financial health by managing your debts and payments.
Preventing any potential fees or penalties for late payments or overdrafts.
You can request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once every 12 months. You can also check your bank statements online or by mail every month.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
The Facebook data leak is one of the largest and most serious data breaches in history. It exposed the personal information of more than 533 million users from 106 countries to hackers and cybercriminals. The leaked data included phone numbers, Facebook IDs, full names, locations, birthdates, bios, and email addresses. The data was scraped from Facebook's platform in 2019 by exploiting a vulnerability in its contact importer feature. The data was then sold on Telegram and posted on a hacking forum for anyone to download for free.
The Facebook data leak is a big deal because it exposes millions of users to the risks of data breaches and identity theft. Data breaches and identity theft can have serious consequences for the victims, such as losing money, reputation, privacy, or security. The data leak also raises questions about Facebook's responsibility and accountability for protecting its users' privacy and security. Facebook has a history of violating its users' privacy and security, as evidenced by the numerous scandals, lawsuits, and investigations that it has faced over the years. The data leak could also have legal and regulatory consequences for Facebook and its users, depending on the laws and regulations of different countries and regions.
There are several ways to check if your data was leaked and to protect your data from future leaks. You can use online tools to check your exposure, such as Have I Been Pwned, The News Each Day, or Under the Breach. You can also change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your online accounts, especially on Facebook and other platforms that use your phone number or email address as login credentials. You can also be alert for phishing and scam attempts that may use the leaked data to trick you into revealing more information or paying money. You can also review your privacy settings and limit what you share online, use a VPN and a secure browser to encrypt your online activity, and monitor your credit reports and bank statements regularly.
Call to action and recommendations
The Facebook data leak is a wake-up call for all of us to take our online privacy and security seriously. We cannot rely on Facebook or any other online platform to protect our data for us. We have to take proactive steps to safeguard our data and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
Here are some recommendations that you can follow to protect your data from future leaks:
Review your online accounts and delete or deactivate any accounts that you no longer use or need.
Use different passwords for different accounts and change them regularly.
Use a password manager to generate and store strong and unique passwords for each account.
Enable two-factor authentication on all your online accounts that offer it.
Do not link your phone number or email address to your social media accounts unless necessary.
Do not share or disclose sensitive or personal information online, such as your phone number, email address, location, birthdate, or financial details.
Review your privacy settings on all your online platforms and adjust them according to your preferences and needs.
Limit what you share online and be careful about what you share with third-party apps or websites that connect to your online platforms.
Use a VPN and a secure browser to encrypt your online activity and hide your IP address and location.
Do not click on any links or open any attachments in suspicious emails or messages.
Delete any emails or messages that ask you for personal or financial information or offer deals or opportunities that are too good to be true.
Report any phishing or scam attempts to the official source or authority.
Monitor your credit reports and bank statements regularly and report any unauthorized or fraudulent transactions or inquiries.
By following these recommendations, you can reduce the chances of your data being leaked or misused in the future. You can also improve your online privacy and security and enjoy a safer and more secure online experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my data was leaked?
A: You can use online tools such as Have I Been Pwned, The News Each Day, or Under the Breach to check if your phone number or email address was part of the Facebook data leak. You can also change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your online accounts, especially on Facebook and other platforms that use your phone number or email address as login credentials. You can also be alert for phishing and scam attempts that may use the leaked data to trick you into revealing more information or paying money.
Q: How can I delete my data from the leaked database?
A: Unfortunately, you cannot delete your data from the leaked database, as it is already in the public domain and may have been downloaded or copied by many people. However, you can take steps to protect your data from future leaks, such as reviewing your privacy settings and limiting what you share online, using a VPN and a secure browser to encrypt your online activity, and monitoring your credit reports and bank statements regularly.
Q: How can I report the Facebook data leak?
A: You can report the Facebook data leak to the authorities or regulators in your country or region, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK, or the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland. You can also report the data leak to Facebook itself, by visiting and filling out a form.
Q: How can I prevent Facebook from collecting my data?
A: You can prevent Facebook from collecting your data by deleting or deactivating your Facebook account. To delete your account, you can go to and clicking on Your Facebook Information and then Download Your Information.
Q: How can I contact Facebook for more information or assistance?
A: You can contact Facebook for more information or assistance by visiting and browsing through the topics and FAQs. You can also use the Help Center Community to ask questions or share feedback with other users. You can also use the Report a Problem feature to report any issues or bugs with Facebook's products or services. 44f88ac181
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