Users concerned over the privacy implications of using Facebook are leaving the site in droves, with many more thinking about following, according to security firm Sophos.
A Sophos survey of current and former Facebook users found that 16% had already stopped using Facebook because of privacy worries, and six in 10 were considering deleting their accounts, the Telegraphsaid.
Subscribers are concerned that they do not have adequate control over their data, and are tired of dealing with the site's tangled privacy settings.
Incensed users have called for a mass deletion of Facebook accounts on May 31 to protest about Facebook's handling of privacy matters.
Sophos earlier this week revealed that 'delete facebook account' had made the top 10 trending topics on Google.
Facebook executives are currently bunkered down at its Silicon Valley HQ to address the problem, WSJ.comsaid.
People familiar with the discussions told the paper the executives were considering simplifying the privacy settings, and had even discussed drastic measures like changing the default settings – a move CEO Mark Zuckerberg has historically resisted.
Facebook has been in the crosshairs over privacy matters for some time, including for revising its privacy policy to allow it to share user’s profile data with its commercial partners.
Recent high-profile murder cases involving Facebook in the UK and Australia have added to the site’s woes.
Australian officials say young people should be careful what information they disclose on any social networking site.