Facebook is under wider scrutiny for how it handles user data. The FBI, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Federal Trade Commission have reportedly joined the Justice Department's investigation into the relationship between Facebook and data firm Cambridge Analytica. The expanded probe, first reported by the [Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/07/02/federal-investigators-broaden-focus-facebooks-role-sharing-data-with-cambridge-analytica-examining-statements-tech-giant/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.4626644756e0), centers on why it took so long for the social media company to disclose the fact that Cambridge had gained access to information on tens of millions of users. Facebook has said it learned back in 2015 that Cambridge was using data gleaned from its platform to create voter profiles of users, but it only made that revelation public this past March. And while the company said it changed its data policies years ago to prevent third parties from accessing private information, just last week it said as many as 61 app developers were able to get that information even after those changes were implemented. Shares of Facebook, which have more than recovered from the initial Cambridge scandal and hit an all-time high last month, were down on the news.

Share:
More In Business
Spain fines Airbnb $75 million for unlicensed tourist rentals
Spain's government has fined Airbnb 64 million euros or $75 million for advertising unlicensed tourist rentals. The consumer rights ministry announced the fine on Monday. The ministry stated that many listings lacked proper license numbers or included incorrect information. The move is part of Spain's ongoing efforts to regulate short-term rental companies amid a housing affordability crisis especially in popular urban areas. The ministry ordered Airbnb in May to remove around 65,000 listings for similar violations. The government's consumer rights minister emphasized the impact on families struggling with housing. Airbnb said it plans to challenge the fine in court.
Roomba maker iRobot files for bankruptcy protection; will be taken private under restructuring
Roomba maker iRobot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but says that it doesn’t expect any disruptions to devices as the more than 30-year-old company is taken private under a restructuring process. iRobot said that it is being acquired by Picea through a court-supervised process. Picea is the company's primary contract manufacturer. The Bedford, Massachusetts-based anticipates completing the prepackaged chapter 11 process by February.
Serbia organized crime prosecutors charge minister, others in connection with Kushner-linked project
Serbia’s prosecutor for organized crime has charged a government minister and three others with abuse of position and falsifying of documents related to a luxury real estate project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The charges came on Monday. The investigation centers on a controversy over a a bombed-out military complex in central Belgrade that was a protected cultural heritage zone but that is facing redevelopment as a luxury compound by a company linked to Kushner. The $500 million proposal to build a high-rise hotel, offices and shops at the site has met fierce opposition from experts at home and abroad. Selakovic and others allegedly illegally lifted the protection status for the site by falsifying documentation.
Load More