Investigation update: Facebook suspends 200 apps

In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook has this week suspended approximately 200 apps as it conducts investigations into misuse of data.

Thousands more apps are also being investigated, according to Facebook, as it follows through on the promise CEO Mark Zuckerberg made in March to review third-party apps that had access to large amounts of data prior to the company’s policy changes in 2014.

“We have a responsibility to protect your data, and if we can’t then we don’t deserve to serve you,” said Zuckerberg.

The investigation process reportedly has two phases: a full review to identify apps with access to Facebook data, followed by interviews and audits for those apps Facebook is concerned about.

Users can find out which apps have been banned for data misuse – and whether it has affected them – via a dedicated webpage.

“There is a lot more work to be done to find all the apps that may have misused people’s Facebook data – and it will take time,” said Ime Archibong, VP of product partnerships, Facebook.

“We are investing heavily to make sure this investigation is as thorough and timely as possible. We will keep you updated on our progress.”

The news follows that of Cambridge Analytica’s closure, having been accused of improperly harvesting the personal Facebook data of 50 million Americans and around a million Britons on behalf of political clients.

Earlier this month Facebook also responded to the scandal by announcing plans to build a new Clear History tool, to allow users better control over the data the company stores about them.