Skype: no more Facebook sign-ins
Microsoft announced today on a Skype support web page that it plans to disable the use of Facebook accounts to sign in to Skype in January 2018.
Skype customers who sign in with Facebook credentials currently won't be able to do so anymore from January 10, 2018 onward.
Some Skype versions don't support Facebook accounts already. This is true for the new Skype for Android, iPhone and the desktop operating systems Windows, Mac and Linux, and Skype for Windows 10.
Microsoft provides no explanation for discontinuing Facebook account support but hints at the benefits of using a Microsoft Account to sign in to Skype instead to streamline the sign in experience.
As we continue to roll out the new Skype, we’re discontinuing the option to login via Facebook in January 2018 and will streamline all Skype logins via your Microsoft account. Using a Microsoft Account will enable you to login-in via single sign-in, unlocking all your Microsoft services – including Skype, Office Online, Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive, and more – in one experience, with just one password.
The only option that Skype customers who use Facebook credentials to sign in to Skype have is to use a Microsoft account, provided that they plan to use the service after January 10, 2018.
Microsoft promises that it helps with the transfer of data from the old account to the new account. This includes options to transfer all Skype contacts, Skype credit, the Skype number, and subscription balance, to update the Skype Manager account if applicable, and to backup the chat history (only available on some systems). Not all data can be transferred from one account to another however.
The migration from using a Facebook account to using a Microsoft Account to sign in to Skype takes three steps:
- Create a new Microsoft Account, or use an existing one.
- Use the instructions on this page to transfer the contacts from the Facebook account to the Microsoft account.
- If you use Skype for Windows desktop or Skype for Mac, you may save the Skype chat history.
- Windows: Select Tools > Options, then Privacy, and on the page the Export Chat History button. Select a location and then save to store the history as a CSV file on the local system.
- Mac: Skype stores the conversation history under ~/Library/Application Support/Skype/, and there in the Skype name folder.
- Sign in on the Facebook transfer tool page using the Microsoft account to initiate a transfer from the old to the new account. This transfers the credit balance and Skype number to the new account.
Closing Words
It is unclear how many users of Skype are affected by the decision. Skype customers who sign in with Facebook credentials have little over a month to migrate to a Microsoft Account. (via Deskmodder)
Slightly off-topic, but there’s a vulnerability in Skype which Microsoft was informed about on September 2 least year, but appears to be devoting resources to a new version rather than addressing the current issue which remains vulnerable.
Details here: https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1040385
Wire – wire.com. like skype only encrypted and open source
Skype uses Session Replay .
I so wish to God that headline just said NO MORE FACEBOOK
To relevant citizens reading this: What are widespread IMs in France and Germany that provide end to end encryption or at least good privacy, and are not owned by Facebook, Google, Microsoft or Apple ?
Agreed though I am particularly glad that Facebook is getting the boot. I loathe any support of that thief that doesnt have enough billions, he has to lobby to cut the throats of middleclass wage earners with HB1 and illegals.
The use of Facebook/Google/Twitter/etc accounts to sign in to any website was a mistake and should have never been invented in the first place. The bane of the internet, especially when it’s the only option.
I haven’t run across sites that these are the only option. In every case there was an option to register to create an account. But it may only be the kinds of sites I’ve been interested in.
However, agree that it is a mistake for people to use these kinds of logins (e.g. FB), as it only opens the window wider for more tracking.
So totally agree with this assertion!!
Skype in 2017 LUL
LUL in 2017 smh
Major reason anybody reading ghacks would be using it is family members, non tech savvy ones are tied in and it is not just a case of “Let’s use X instead”. I am one of those people who use it when talking to said family members.
I think everyone went to facebook, even old people.
RG has it right. No need to deride people who are not as tech savvy. We already know readers of ghacks are a cut above.