The social networking platform has disclosed the number of users that have been affected by its data leak. According to Facebook, the company may have improperly shared data of as many as 87 million people with Cambridge Analytica.
Previously, news reports had estimated the affected number of users as 50 million. However, this is the first time Facebook has officially confirmed the possible scope of data leak. According to the company, over 270,000 users downloaded the personality quiz app and shared information about themselves and their friends.
The personal quiz app further shared the information with Cambridge Analytica, the move which is against Facebook policies. The recently disclosed figure of 87 million is much higher than earlier estimated 50 million. In an online posting on Wednesday, Facebook has assured to disclose the improperly shared data with Cambridge Analytica.
The revelation hints that Mark Zuckerberg is likely to face the controversy when he testifies the matter before Congress. He is likely to face a question: “How many Cambridge Analytica-scale data leaks are out there?” Facebook has been involved in controversy for weeks over the leaked data.
Many have raised questions over the reams of data that Facebook compiles on users. The company announced the updated privacy policy with an update on Wednesday. According to the new policy, the social networking giant aims to explain the data it gathers from users. Facebook has updated many changes on Wednesday.
Going forward, Facebook will add a section to explain the data it collects from people and if they choose to “upload, sync or import”. Some apps may collect the data about address books, call logs and even text message history. A number of users were surprised to learn that Facebook has been collecting the data of their call and SMS logs.
However, the company has further clarified that it collects data only from Android users that specifically allow the users to do so. The new policy further defines that WhatsApp and Instagram are part of Facebook and abide by the same privacy policy. If that’s true, the company might use the same logic and algorithm to show advertisements on WhatsApp.