Skip to main content

Facebook is busy enhancing two-factor authentication, group tools, and more

Facebook

Well, Facebook has been busy  — in a list of several updates for the social giant, Facebook is now allowing users to use two-factor authentication without a phone number. The update comes alongside new tools for Groups administrators and updates to Facebook Marketplace announced on Wednesday, May 23.

The security-focused update allows Facebook users to head to the security settings and set up two-factor authentication without a phone number by using Google Authenticator and Duo Security instead. Previously, the tool required a phone number. The update also streamlines the process of setting up the added security, Facebook says.

Recommended Videos

Earlier in 2018, Facebook faced criticism for using the two-factor authentication to send users spam-like text message notifications. Before the update, there wasn’t an option to set up the two-factor without the phone number. Facebook says the update continues to encourage the use of the practice, a standard feature that offers more account security than a single password login.

Facebook

The list of updates continues with several new features catered to Group administrators. Facebook announced a new support platform that (generally) responds to administrators questions within one business day, though the feature is first rolling out to only a select group of administrators in two languages, English and Spanish. A new resource at facebook.com/community also aims to support Groups administrators with tutorials demos and other content.

Another new Groups tool allows administrators to give a reason why they removed a user’s post. When Groups add a list of rules for the online community, administrators can select one of those rules when removing the post so the user can see what rule they broke. The feature is optional and comes along with notes that allow other administrators, but not the group member, to see notes on the comment. 

The final Group-centered update allows administrators to pre-approve members. In groups that require approval on posts before going live, these members are allowed to post without waiting for approval.

Facebook also expanded Marketplace to cover home services, allowing users to find recommendations for things like a plumber using Handy, HomeAdvisor, and Porch integrations rather than taking to the news feed to ask friends.

Hillary K. Grigonis
Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…
Here’s why the Galaxy Z Flip 7 finally supports Samsung DeX
Samsung explains why DeX arrived with the seventh generation Z Flip, and not before
Flip 7 on side

One thing that might have gone under the radar at the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 launch is the fact the smaller phone now joins its larger sibling by adding DeX support.

DeX, for those that might be unfamiliar, is a feature where you can plug a Samsung smartphone into a dock or monitor and emulate a much more fully-formed computing experience, more akin to using a laptop than a phone.

Read more
Last chance to get the best Android smartwatch at lowest-ever price for Prime Day
The display on the Google Pixel Watch 3.

Android fans, if you're planning to take advantage of smartwatch deals for Amazon's Prime Day, you should go for the Google Pixel Watch 3. The 45mm, Wi-Fi model, which is originally sold for $400, is on sale for its lowest-ever price of only $285 following a 29% discount. This is your last chance to get the wearable device with savings of $115 as the shopping event is closing soon, so you have to hurry and complete your purchase immediately to make sure that you don't miss out.

$285 at Amazon

Read more
The Galaxy Watch 8 is the first to have this lifesaving feature
Hero image of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic watch and strap

Have you ever noticed your heart racing or felt like your heart skipped a beat? There are many plausible reasons this can happen, but one of the most common is the occurrence of ectopic beats. 

An ectopic heartbeat is when your heart beats too soon, and it's extremely common. Like many intermittent health symptoms, it may not appear when you're at the doctor's office, which makes diagnosing it much harder. 

Read more