Facebook Bug Exposed Contact Information Stored On Profiles

By
Dana Farrington
WNYC | Jun 22, 2013

Facebook has discovered a bug that compromised contact information for millions of people. The company estimates that about 6 million users had email addresses or telephone numbers inadvertently shared with others they have a connection to.

CNN explains how the accidental sharing occurred:

"The bug, which has since been repaired, was part of the Download Your Information tool, which lets Facebook users export all the data from profiles, such as posts to their timeline and conversations with friends. People using the tool may have downloaded inadvertently the contact information for people they were somehow connected to."

Facebook adds that the addresses or numbers were shared only with one person "in almost all cases," and that the information was accessible only to people on Facebook — not to developers or advertisers.

"It's still something we're upset and embarrassed by, and we'll work doubly hard to make sure nothing like this happens again," the company says.

Copyright 2013 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.
Profile Image
Dana Farrington

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

New York City's Slowing Job Growth

James Parrott talks about factors contributing to New York City's concerningly high unemployment rate.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Jack Schlossberg, the Kennedy Running for Congress in New York. Plus, the Astronaut Reid Wiseman

The candidate on the role of social media in politics, and speaking out against his cousin R.F.K., Jr. Plus, the commander of NASA’s Artemis II mission on the dark side of the moon.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

I.C.E.'s "Wartime Recruitment" Campaign

Hiring at the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency.
On the Media |

Central Park’s Great Lawn to host 50K for World Cup final watch party

New York state is putting up $6 million for the event, with New York City chipping in $3.5 million.
Gothamist |
YOU ARE ONLINE