Facebook faces UK data probe: Why can't we delete accounts? / Register, 20 November 2007
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/11/20/facebook_uk_data_protection/
John Oates
"Facebook is facing investigation by UK data protection watchdogs after a complaint from a British user who tried, and failed, to delete his account. Facebook accounts can be "deactivated" but not actually deleted. Your profile remains in the Facebook servers but cannot be accessed by anyone else. The Information Commissioner confirmed to the Register that it has received a complaint and will investigate the firm."