March 15 Facebook Shutdown Rumors False, Site Confirms
Rumors rumbled across the Internet this past weekend that Facebook would be permanently shutting down its site on March 15, as its founder Mark Zuckerberg wanted his "old life back."
The news spread like wildfire over the Internet, with people updating their Facebook statuses and sending out tweets on Facebook that the popular social networking site would be closing up shop for good. Not surprisingly, however, the rumor has been confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson that it is completely false.
"We didn't get the memo about shutting down and there's lots to do, so we'll just keep cranking away like always," Larry Yu, Facebook director of corporate communications, told Mashable. "The answer is no, so please help us put an end to this silliness."
The rumor stems from a tabloid site called Weekly World News – known for accusations about alien attacks to false celebrity scandals – claiming Zuckerberg said "managing [Facebook] has ruined my life. I need to put an end to all the madness."
The report also alleged that Facebook said members won’t be able to access their accounts after March 15.
"I personally don’t think it's a big deal," Zuckerberg allegedly told the Weekly World News in a private phone interview. "And to be honest, I think it’s for the better. Without Facebook, people will have to go outside and make real friends. That’s always a good thing."
The fictional Avrat Humarthi, alleged by the Weekly World News to be the vice president of technical affairs at Facebook, was also quoted in the article confirming the news.
"So if you ever want to see your pictures again, I recommend you take them off the Internet," Humarthi said. "You won’t be able to get them back once Facebook goes out of business."
The timing of Facebook's demise would be curious if true, especially as the rumor comes just days after announcing the site raised $500 million in funding and is now worth a whopping $50 billion .
- Goldman Sachs: Facebook Worth $50 Billion
- Facebook Clogged by 2Pac and Zuckerberg Scams
- Children's Charities Benefit from Mysterious Facebook Cartoon Profile-Picture Trend
