Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsYes. Facebook fixed a 2023 bug that could send a friend request when someone viewed or searched for a profile without tapping Add Friend. Meta said it stopped the problem, apologized, and later told users it had canceled requests sent because of the error.
What caused Facebook to send requests by mistake?
In May 2023, users reported that simply opening or looking up another person’s Facebook profile could trigger a friend request. Android Authority reported the behavior on May 12 and said it had reproduced it; Engadget described the same issue the following day. The documented trigger was viewing a profile, not deliberately pressing Add Friend. Android Authority’s May 12 report and Engadget’s May 13 report cover the incident.
Meta attributed the defect to a recent app update. A spokesperson said: “We fixed a bug related to a recent app update that caused some Facebook friend requests to be sent mistakenly. We’ve stopped this from happening and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”
Did Facebook cancel the accidental requests?
Facebook later said it had canceled friend requests sent because of the error. On May 16, Android Authority reported that Facebook alerted users: “We recently fixed an issue that caused some friend requests to be sent by mistake. We apologize and have canceled any friend requests that were sent because of this error,” and prompted them to review Activity Log. Android Authority’s May 16 report documents that follow-up.
#1 Best Overall
- A more natural connection. Smart Camera adjusts automatically so you can move freely and stay in frame, while Smart Sound ensures you can easily be heard.
- Call anyone, anywhere. Use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to connect with friends and family—even if they don’t have a Meta Portal.
- Designed for the home. With a sleek picture frame design, quick setup and intuitive voice and touchscreen controls, Portal fits easily and seamlessly into your home.
- Privacy by design. Easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the lens with the camera cover.
How the incident was addressed
- Accidental trigger: Viewing or searching for a profile could send a request without a tap on Add Friend.
- Patch: Meta said it fixed the app-update bug and stopped the mistaken requests.
- Cancellation and review: Facebook said it canceled requests caused by the error and directed users to Activity Log.
How many people were affected?
The cited reports do not provide an authoritative total for affected users or mistaken requests. There is no verified incident count to cite.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A more natural connection. Smart Camera adjusts automatically so you can move freely and stay in frame, while Smart Sound ensures you can easily be heard.
- Call anyone, anywhere. Use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to connect with friends and family—even if they don’t have a Meta Portal.
- Designed for the home. With a sleek picture frame design, quick setup and intuitive voice and touchscreen controls, Meta Portal fits easily and seamlessly into your home.
- Privacy by design. Easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the lens with the camera cover.
Rank #4
- Move and talk freely with Smart Camera: With Smart Camera, you don’t have to worry about being out of frame. Whether you’re moving around the kitchen, prepping dinner or chasing the kids through the living room, Smart Camera adjusts to follow the action. And as more people enter a room, Smart Camera automatically widens to keep everyone in view, so you don’t miss a moment
- Private by design: Facebook doesn't listen to, view or keep the contents of your Portal video calls. Calls on Portal are encrypted, so conversations stay between you and those you're calling. You can also completely disable the camera and microphone with a single tap, or block the camera lens with the camera cover provided
- Connect with friends, even if they don't have Portal: Easily call friends and family on Messenger — calls can be made seamlessly to and from smartphones and tablets. And you can bring up to six other people into a group call
- Alexa built-in: Portal has Alexa built-in, so you can ask a question, set a timer, add items to your shopping list, control your smart home or more. Just ask
- Experience more together: With Portal, story time will never be the same. With music, animation and augmented reality effects, Portal lets you become some of your children’s favorite characters as you read along to well-loved stories. And if friends or family also have Portal, you can listen to your favorite music together as if you were in the same room, without delays or feedback
Rank #3
- Feel close, wherever you roam. With the best of Meta Portal smart video calling made portable, you can take the conversation anywhere in your home.
- Designed for calls on the go. A long-lasting battery and integrated handle make it easy to move from room to room.
- Call anyone, anywhere. Use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to connect with friends and family—even if they don’t have a Meta Portal.
- A more natural connection. Smart Camera adjusts automatically so you can move freely and stay in frame, while Smart Sound ensures you can always be heard.
- Great sound anywhere. Listen to music with a speaker that can fill any room. Doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker around the home.
Rank #2
- Scale up your greatest conversations. Smart video calling on your TV brings your favorite people, larger-than-life, into your living room.
- Share the room. Perfect for group calls. Meta Portal TV captures your whole room so everyone is in view without jostling for position.
- Call anyone, anywhere. Use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to connect with friends and family—even if they don’t have a Meta Portal.
- A more natural connection. Smart Camera adjusts automatically so you can move freely and stay in frame, while Smart Sound ensures you can be heard clearly.
- Privacy by design. Easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the lens with the camera cover.
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