Facebook Faces Congressional Privacy Interrogation

When Facebook in January announced plans to enable developers, with permission, to access users’ addresses and phone numbers, the company took it on the chin. Facebook users, perhaps recalling revelations late last year that Facebook user ID numbers were being shared by third-party applications, complained and the company backtracked, stating that it agreed with some of the concerns raised and that it would delay access until some changes have been made.

The incident got the attention of two members of Congress, Edward Markey (D-Mass) and Joe Barton (R-Texas), co-chairmen of the House Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus. On Wednesday, the two U.S. Representatives sent a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg seeking answers about the company’s plans.