Groan alert? Facebook will soon 'force' you to download its messenger app

'In the next few days, we are continuing to notify more people that if they want to send and receive Facebook messages, they will need to download the Messenger app,' said an official statement from Facebook.

Soon, you will be 'forced' to download and use Facebook messenger app as you log on to the popular social networking site.

According to a report in Techcrunch, users in Europe were required to use the Messenger since April but the new rule will now apply to users across the world.

'In the next few days, we are continuing to notify more people that if they want to send and receive Facebook messages, they will need to download the Messenger app,' said an official statement from Facebook.

Till now, it is possible to chat from the messages tab in the Facebook smartphone app.

Users need not download the Facebook messenger separately but can use the main Facebook app to send messages too.

The new rule will force users to fill up the shrinking space on their smartphone with another app they do not need.

Users are also not asked permission but will no option other than falling in line.

Facebook users on desktop, laptop and even Windows Phone users have been spared this forced migration for now.

Facebook has declined to discuss this in blog posts but will notify users directly, the Techcrunch report added.