Why should you sign in on other sites using your Facebook account?

boynamedsuse · #1 10-02-2011, 03:58 PM

I noticed recently that some articles or sites ask you to "sign in" using your Facebook account. As near as I can tell, these sites have nothing to do with Facebook. What is going on? What are the benefits? What are the risks?

rllefebv · #2 10-02-2011, 05:16 PM

They're just using FaceBook's federation services, kind of like what Microsoft envisioned for their 'live' accounts... Facebook already has all of the validation infrastructure in place, so these other services just subscribe to it... Saves them the hassle of having to support all that stuff and allows them to concentrate on delivering content...

For the user, on the plus side, one login/password combo for multiple sites... Also, after a while, you just kind of forget about it. Being 'assimilated' gets easier every day

-robert

Jazz Ad · #3 10-02-2011, 05:18 PM

It's good for all.
Lazy user doesn't have to create a new profile to use a site.
Site gets more users who overwise wouldn't register.
Facebook collects even more personal info.

Ben Lesser · #4 10-02-2011, 05:36 PM

Plus it helps remove anonymity from postings, which might deter some people from stirring the pot just for the sake of it.

ksihawk7 · #5 10-02-2011, 09:04 PM

I usually don't like to have my Facebook account linked with anything, but I realized how much easier it is than having to go through the process of creating a new account for something.

boynamedsuse · #6 10-03-2011, 09:35 AM

Thanks everyone. Based on your comments, it appears to be a fairly benevolent "feature," although for someone who wants to preserve their anonymity it may not be such a good idea. I was mostly concerned with the security risks, and so far that does not seem to be an issue.

L-A · #7 10-03-2011, 10:38 AM

It's a way to confirm your identity with a trusted service, instead of sending your personal info to a plethora of different sites with various degrees of security.

I personally really like the idea. Login once, and allow what you trust.

stratovani · #8 10-03-2011, 11:52 AM

IT'S A PLOT! DON'T DO IT! The evil Zuckerberg will do anything he can so his evil plot for world domination can succeed!

MatticusMania · #9 10-03-2011, 11:57 AM

Are there ways to access these same sites for nonFacebook users?