Millions of users are deleting their Facebook accounts in 2025 amid privacy, AI, and child safety concerns, according to new reporting.
The year 2025 has seen a major social media exodus as millions of users decide to delete Facebook, according to new reporting. Growing worries over privacy breaches, the removal of fact-checking, and fears of Meta AI accessing users’ camera rolls have pushed many to leave the platform entirely.
Before deleting Facebook, experts recommend downloading all personal data and disconnecting third-party logins such as Spotify or DoorDash. Users can do this by navigating to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites and selecting “Remove” next to linked services.
Deactivation is also an option for users uncertain about permanent deletion. Deactivating an account allows reactivation later, though Facebook may still track online activity. Permanent deletion, on the other hand, removes users’ profiles, photos, and posts after a 30-day period but does not erase messages previously sent.
To download their data, users can go to Settings & Privacy > Account Center > Your Information and Permissions > Download Your Information, then choose “All Time” and “High” media quality.
Deleting Facebook also disconnects MetaQuest apps and purchases but doesn’t affect Instagram or WhatsApp. Users wishing to leave those platforms must delete each separately.