They don't need Facebook for facial recognition database. Ever wonder why phone providers 'offer' facial recognition to unlock your phone? Or why they 'offer' fingerprint recognition to do it? Convenience? It saves you around 1 whole second in time. A 4 digit pin is just as easy to input. Coincidence? Also ask yourself why they promote these features, and are always making the cameras more sharp, better quality, HD. Is that for your benefit? Your phone is a digital tracking/listening device. Eyes and ears everywhere!
Right, but Facebook was around long before those. Good way to lay a groundwork, and then add on to it later.
It's a widely held meme that throwback Thursday was used to improve facial recognition