You now need a Facebook account to sign up for Messenger

iStock/Sushiman

Facebook Messenger will no longer be available for those who haven't signed up for an account on the social media network.

The social media giant confirmed to VentureBeat that new Messenger users will need a Facebook account to chat.

Their spokesperson explained that the decision was made as a "vast majority of people who use Messenger already log in through Facebook" and "to simplify the process".

It was in 2015 that Facebook started allowing people to sign up for its messaging service with just a phone number.

The network added that existing Messenger accounts that aren't tied to Facebook profiles won't need to make any changes, for now. 

More from Business

  • UAE, Ukraine Presidents witness CEPA signing

    President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, on Monday attended the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries.

  • New AED 25 hour event parking tariffs begin in Dubai

    Vehicle parking at major events in Dubai will be charged at AED 25 an hour coming into effect on Monday, parking company Parkin confirmed.

  • Abu Dhabi issues new endowment company rules

    Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), in collaboration with The Endowments and Minors’ Funds Management Authority (Awqaf Abu Dhabi), has issued a resolution on the establishment and licensing of endowment institutions in Abu Dhabi.

  • IDC 2025 discusses global disruptions, defence preparedness

    The International Defence Conference 2025 commenced on Sunday at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, bringing together defence and security leaders, experts, and companies from around the world to discuss key challenges and opportunities in the sector.

  • Dubai Energy Council reviews carbon emissions progress

    Ahmed bin Saeed chaired the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy meeting on Sunday, which reviewed progress in carbon emission reduction technologies in alignment with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030.