Rumours of Facebook planning to charge its users to use the social network have resurfaced.
The persistent rumour has gained traction following the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to repeal net neutrality rules in the United States.
The ruling lifts regulations that prevent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from charging broadband subscribers different fees for visiting different sites.
Without the Open Internet Order of 2015, ISPs are not required to treat all websites equally.
Popular websites, those that require more bandwidth, or services that offer functionality that directly competes with the telecoms (like VOIP apps), could incur additional costs for broadband customers.
However, Facebook has no plans to charge its users to access the site.
The US social network, which boasts more than two billion users worldwide, has previously told users that it “will never require that you pay”.
Responding to a slew of hoax messages about the Californian technology company considering charging its users, Facebook responded: “No. Facebook is a free site and will never require that you pay to continue using the site.”
Facebook also suggests that users avoid interacting with posts that instruct you to forward things on, copy statuses, or share messages to avoid a charge in future.
“We always advise you to block the sender, disregard the message and delete it,” the company said.
Facebook users were targeted last year with another scam, where payday loans are taken out in their name – thanks to stolen details.
British social network users had their accounts hacked, with crafty cybercriminals then posting on the Facebook users’ timelines to trick their friends into revealing personal details.
These details – including mobile phone numbers volunteered by friends – have been used to take-out payday loans.
Northumbria Police highlighted the scam on their website, noting “never pass any personal details online to strangers.”