Abstract: A method and device for controlling peripheral devices via a social networking platform includes receiving a servicer registration request from the support service provider, the servicer registration request specifying a type of peripheral devices to be serviced; establishing a public social network identity for the support service provider; receiving an owner registration request for a first peripheral device; upon a determination that the first peripheral device is of the type of peripheral devices, establishing a social network relationship between the support service provider and the first user; and providing respective communication messages targeting the first peripheral device and respective communication messages originated from the first peripheral device as respective instant messages in a conversation interface of a chat session between the first user and the support service provider.