Like everything Facebook, the new search feature is cool, creepy, and easily abused.
http://techcrunch.com/2012/09/27/have-just-a-phone-number-ios-6-facebook-integration-can-fill-in-the-blanks/
Even though I like the feature, I think it’s a feature that Facebook is ultimately better off not having. Given the elevated status of Facebook, a lot of information now can be tied to a person’s Facebook account. A number’s just a number, but if you can tie that number to a Facebook account. Then it means that people can use the number to figure out your Facebook, then they can figure out all the things you like, then they can figure out what to nag you about. Not only that, but if you have a land-line, they can tie the number to where you LIVE.
Imagine that? Before, you were a nameless entry on the white pages, now some guy knows exactly what you look like, and where you live. What can go wrong?
TONS!
That being said, if they’re going to be adamant about it, I can probably build a big-data platform around it, and sell it to ad-networks. If any lawyers want to patent this for me, I’m more than willing to give you a fair share if you do it for me, and then hand me the rights. I’ll do the coding 😉