False: Facebook has added a new option for users to log in using the COVID-19 vaccination ID.

By: Shashi M
February 18 2022

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Facebook has not introduced a login system where users can log onto their Facebook accounts using the vaccination ID. All such claims are unwarranted.A message circulated on social media claimed, along with the Meta logo, "To log into your Facebook account, you need first to confirm your identity. Login with your vaccine ID". The image has been shared in English, Bulgarian, Arabic, and Spanish versions. However, we found that the message is part of a scam that links to a convincing Facebook page. The claim was debunked by Reuters, quoting a tweet from Andy Stone, a spokesman for Meta (Facebook). According to the article, Andy has tweeted that the screenshot is fake and has shared the now-deleted Twitter message via email. We also logged in to Facebook's mobile and desktop app and found no vaccination ID is required. The Facebook help page on vaccines did not mention the new option either. It is possible that the link shared is an evasion tactic by some bad actors. When someone clicks on the circulated link, cybercriminals can exploit it to steal identities and commit fraud. Federal Trade Commission has also warned that sharing vaccination card details such as full name date of birth on social media platforms can invite identity theft.