The robots.txt file of Facebook specifies several directives for different user-agents. The initial set of rules applies to all user-agents, encompassing all unknown or unspecified web crawlers that might attempt to scrape the site. Notably, all paths are explicitly blocked by the Disallow: / directive, suggesting that Facebook does not permit general web scraping of its site.

The subsequent rules are specifically made for certain user-agents, but they mainly apply to known search engine bots such as googlebot and bingbot. Specific directories and paths are allowed for these bots, but again, all other paths are unconditionally disallowed for them. Common targets for scraping, such as profile pages (Disallow: /profile.php), are explicitly mentioned in the blocked list, further emphasizing Facebook's strict control over scraping activities. Despite some narrow exceptions for certain well-known bots, the overall indication is that Facebook does not allow web scraping by general developers.

Facebook's terms of service are quite clear, stating explicitly that automated data collection is prohibited. Specifically, in the section pertaining to "Special Provisions Applicable to Software", Facebook states that "you will not use, encourage, facilitate, or promote any data mining, crawling, data scraping, or any other method of stealing or unauthorized access to data and personal information".

Not only is web scraping forbidden, but Facebook also restricts access to API services. API usage is allowed only within the guidelines set forth by Facebook and misuse could lead to the suspension of the API key, IP blocking, account termination, and even potential legal action. In the section titled "Special Provisions Applicable to Developers/Operators of Applications and Websites", Facebook outlines specific conditions under which API services should be used. Breaking these terms can lead to severe consequences.