Google+ no longer requires an invitation to become a member of the newest social network, but that apparently has failed to make a dent on Facebook's membership.

Facebook members are not deserting the leading portal by the million; rather, millions are signing up. According to latest statistics Facebook'w active users have topped the 800 million mark.

Given the global population of about 7 billion people, that would mean one in nine people are now Facebook members, a figure achieved within seven years.

A few months back Facebook reported reaching 500 million members, then 750 million, while hits had already exceeded the 1 trillion mark.

Among the reasons cited by observers behind the nonstop growth of Facebook, superseding other social networking sites that started ahead, are its user-friendly features. A New York Times article, which compared Facebook to Twitter, said the former has more appeal because it is easier to use compared to Twitter, with its complicated hashtags and usernames.

Despite recent changes in Facebook designed to match Google+'s features, many Web sites continue to link to Facebook and Twitter. Facebook has become a daily habit for many who begin their day by checking their Facebook accounts whether they are at home or at work.

A Citigroup analysis found that Americans spend 16 per cent of their online computer on Facebook, but only 11 per cent on Google and 9 per cent on Yahoo. Facebook has also changed Internet users' e-mail habits, since many members prefer to communicate through its news feeds and messages.

Along with its exploding popularity comes more scrutiny over its practices, particularly on the delicate topic of user privacy. On Friday, six users from Illinois, Hawaii, Virginia and New Jersey filed a lawsuit in California against Facebook over alleged violation of U.S. wiretap and electronic communications law.

In particular, they cited Facebook's way of tracking cookies. The plaintiffs sought damages and an order that would require Facebook to stop installing cookies that track users even after they have logged out.

Facebook said the complaint lacks merit and it will fight the lawsuit vigorously.

RELATED STORIES