Facebook introduced its new profile layout “Timeline” in September, 2011, and after a long waiting period, the company finally rolled out the new style to all its users in December, 2011. Users were forced to change the look of their profile with the new layout and were left with no option to revert. Many users who found the Timeline too cluttered and confusing, are finding out ways to disable it, or revert and go back to the previous layout.

After releasing the Timeline to all its users, a spokesperson for Facebook had to say this -

Once you click “Get Timeline,” you will have seven days to review everything that appears on your timeline before anyone else can see it.

If you choose, you can publish your timeline right away. If you decide to wait, your timeline will go live automatically after seven days. Your timeline will replace your profile.

Eventually everyone on Facebook will be rolled over to timeline.

Being aware of this despair, scammers are taking advantage of it by posting scam messages on Facebook indicating how one can disable or remove the Facebook Timeline completely. Facebook has taken every measure to educate its users about the new layout. Despite that, some people are still falling for the trap set by scammers and hackers. A search on Facebook for the phrase remove “Facebook Timeline” filtered more than 10 Facebook Pages that have gained thousands of “likes.”

“We work hard to educate users on how to be safe through our blog and the Facebook and Facebook Security pages,” a Facebook spokesperson said. “We regularly update the Facebook Security page and its over 5 million fans with tips and information about new threats. We also work with outside experts on education initiatives.”

There are a number of scam messages and rouge application/browser extensions claiming to show you the steps on how you can disable the Facebook Timeline. Installing these browser extensions, or linking your account to applications will give access to all information, and this is definitely a serious threat to your account. Here are the results obtained via the Facebook Search bar -

There is no way you can disable or remove the Facebook Timeline. It is a permanent change, until Facebook decides to implement a new layout. Therefore, the best option you have is to get used to it, or you can go with the second best option – Deactivate your Facebook Account.

However, if you’re finding the new layout too cluttered, then you can try disabling the ticker and chat. We had posted an article earlier on how you can disable the news ticker on the right. We have posted an in-depth guide about Timeline. I recommend you to go through it and know all of its features. Who knows, you may start loving it.

[via]