The process of acquiring email addresses from the Facebook platform, often achieved through automated tools or unauthorized means, constitutes the definition. As an illustration, this might involve a software program designed to collect publicly available email addresses listed on Facebook profiles.
Historically, the desire for this capability stemmed from marketing interests seeking direct contact with potential customers. However, such actions raise significant privacy concerns and often violate Facebook’s terms of service. The benefits to the extractor are potentially increased marketing reach, while the risks include legal repercussions and damage to brand reputation due to spamming or unsolicited contact.