I tried it once…and couldn’t get away from the damned prying thing. They kept reinstating it! So here, from Walt Mossberg at the Wall Street Journal yesterday, is how to to it (and they don’t make it easy at all):
Q: How do I permanently delete a Facebook account?
A: Facebook doesn’t make it quick or easy. The default choice is to "deactivate" your account, which allows you to change your mind and reactivate, and thus spare the company the loss of a member. Deactivated accounts can’t be seen by others, but all their data remain on Facebook’s servers. You can totally and permanently delete an account, but this isn’t a simple process. You have submit a request, at http://on.fb.me/n5OemK, or go to the Facebook help center and search for "delete account." Then you have to wait awhile, while Facebook hopes you change your mind. More information on both options is at: http://on.fb.me/pxjtS2.