A Facebook glitch tells some users they’re dead
Some Facebook users received an unsettling shock Friday, when an unexplained glitch caused the social networking service to post a notice that implied they were dead.
A number of Facebook users reported that their profile page on the social network was topped with a message that referred to them by name — as if they were gone — while linking to a feature that “memorializes” the page of someone who has died.
The message said Facebook hoped the users’ loved ones would find comfort in seeing posts that others shared about them.
Even Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg’s page had the death notice for a short time Friday. But messages had disappeared by midday California time.
“This was a terrible error that we have now fixed,” Facebook said in a statement. The company declined to say what caused the problem or how many users were affected. “We are very sorry that this happened and we worked as quickly as possible to fix it,” the statement added.
ALSO
Facebook says it will stop racial exclusion in certain ads
After Trump’s win, even some in Silicon Valley wonder: Has Facebook grown too influential?
Accepting more Facebook friend requests is linked to lower mortality, study says
UPDATES:
2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from Facebook.
This article was originally published at 1:55 p.m.
More to Read
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.