Flickr Finally Ends Decade-Long Yahoo Login Requirement
Flickr rolls out a new standalone login system, freeing users from the mandatory Yahoo credentials required since 2007. The change comes as the top requested feature following SmugMug's acquisition of the photo-sharing platform.
Flickr officially cuts its ties to Yahoo by rolling out a new standalone login system to members over the next few weeks. This change ends a frustrating mandate that dates back to 2007, when Yahoo forces all Flickr users to sign in with Yahoo credentials. Since SmugMug acquires Flickr in 2018, removing this requirement emerges as the single most requested feature from the community.
The old Yahoo login system creates significant headaches for users who do not otherwise use Yahoo services, often leading to forgotten passwords and tedious recovery processes. The situation worsens after two enormous data breaches compromise Yahoo accounts, leaving Flickr users understandably upset that their photo archives remain tied to a compromised ecosystem.
Until the new system reaches their accounts, users still need to log in with their Yahoo credentials. Once they gain access to the updated process, they select a new login email address and password that serve as their sole authentication method for both accessing Flickr and receiving company emails.