FacebookSecurity

From TrustWiki

Facebook Security

Why does Facebook need my date of birth?
Answer lies in COPPA [1]. COPPA[2] stands for Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998. The act, effective April 21, 2000, applies to the online collection of personal information by persons or entities under U.S. jurisdiction from children under 13 years of age. It details what a website operator must include in a privacy policy, when and how to seek verifiable consent from a parent or guardian, and what responsibilities an operator has to protect children's privacy and safety online including restrictions on the marketing to those under 13.

Since Facebook is mandated to comply with COPPA, it requires your date of birth.

ACTION:
By default the date of birth is public in your profile. You HAVE TO turn it off in your profile settings. Please do not forget this.

References:
Facebook Privacy Settings Best Practices [3]

Facebook and Privacy
1. Losing Friends on Facebook: A Privacy Story [4]
2. Did Facebook Take My Advice on Privacy? [5]