The federal investigation looking into how Facebook shared user information with data firm Cambridge Analytica has widened to include three agencies, according to a new report.
The inquiry has expanded as representatives for the FBI, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission have joined forces with the Justice Department in the probe.
Facebook announced in March that Cambridge Analytica, which worked worked for President Trump’s campaign, would be suspended from the social media platform after it was revealed the firm did not delete data it had improperly obtained from Facebook users.
Federal investigators are examining what Facebook knew years ago and why the company did not disclose what was known to users and investors, the Washington Post reports. They are also honing in on disparities in recent statements and the testimony of Facebook officials such as CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Capitol Hill this spring.
“We are cooperating with officials in the US, UK and beyond,” said Facebook spokesman Matt Steinfeld, per the Washington Post. “We’ve provided public testimony, answered questions, and pledged to continue our assistance as their work continues.”
University of Cambridge psychologist Aleksandr Kogan requested access to information from 270,000 Facebook users after they downloaded his app, “thisisyourdigitallife.” Facebook approved his request and, as a result, Facebook users provided their consent for Kogan to receive information from their profiles, including the city set on their profiles and content they had liked.
In violation of Facebook’s policies, Kogan shared the information with Cambridge Analytica.
Facebook became aware of this conduct in 2015 and removed the app in response. Additionally, they requested that certifications from Kogan and all who had received data be provided to ensure that the data was destroyed. Those parties indicated they complied, but Facebook said in March it received reports suggesting that not all the data was deleted.
Facebook has since audited thousands of apps and has suspended 200 apps. Additionally, it has cracked down on access to data for developers on Facebook and Instagram, which is owned by Facebook.
[Also read: Facebook details data-sharing partnerships with dozens of businesses]
