Facebook Suspends 200 Apps Over Data Privacy Problems

Following the recent Cambridge Analytica data scandal that revealed tens of millions of Facebook users had their info improperly obtained, the social media giant promised a comprehensive investigation into thousands of apps on its platform. Now the company has released its first verdict, suspending 200 apps for potential data misuse.

It’s important to note that it isn’t clear yet if these apps actually abused their access to our data. And Facebook also didn’t reveal publically which apps are under investigation. But the company said it will take a much closer look at how these apps operate, including potential interviews and on-site visits. In other words, when Facebook said its investigation was in “full swing,” they weren’t kidding around.

“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,” Facebook wrote in a blog post announcing its findings. “We are investing heavily to make sure this investigation is as thorough and timely as possible.”

Facebook often talks a big game when it comes to improving its security and privacy measures, so it’s reassuring to see the company back up its words in a big way. Now hopefully this leads to lasting change — and these sorts of data breaches will become a thing of the past.