Facebook Bug Exposed Pictures of 6.8 Million Users

In September, Facebook revealed a security bug that allowed hackers to gain access to 50 million Facebook accounts. Around the same time, another bug on the company’s platform gave third-party developers access to photos of 6.8 million users. And the company is just revealing the bug today.

Facebook says the company discovered the bug, which gave third-party apps access to photos they aren’t supposed to have access to between September 13 to September 25. Third-party apps were able to gain access to photos shared by users on Facebook Stories, Facebook Marketplace, as well as pictures that users uploaded to Facebook but never actually posted them.

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Facebook says the bug on the photos API gave 1,500 apps built by 876 different developers access to such photos. “We’re sorry this happened. Early next week we will be rolling out tools for app developers that will allow them to determine which people using their app might be impacted by this bug. We will be working with those developers to delete the photos from impacted users,” the company promised on a blog post.

This isn’t the first major security bug reported by Facebook this year. It seems like there is a new privacy-related issue surrounding the company every other week, and things aren’t getting any better. The situation is so bad that Facebook is even holding popups in places like New York to try to make people believe their data is safe on Facebook. And this new security bug has been revealed just a day after the privacy popup. I wish I could tell you this was all a joke, but it, unfortunately, is not.

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Conversation 9 comments

  • lvthunder

    Premium Member
    14 December, 2018 - 11:26 am

    <p>Even though I keep my profile private I never post anything on there that I except to be kept private.</p>

    • wosully

      Premium Member
      15 December, 2018 - 4:17 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#381905">In reply to lvthunder:</a></em></blockquote><p>That makes the most sense – if users post it online it will eventually be in the hands of someone they didn't intend. </p>

  • webdev511

    Premium Member
    14 December, 2018 - 11:27 am

    <p>Oh, well they can <em>TRY </em> to make me believe my data is safe, but let's face it, once it's posted on FB or any social media for that matter it's no longer really my data anymore.</p>

  • will

    Premium Member
    14 December, 2018 - 11:47 am

    <p>Do we really think it was just 6.8 million photos? I would guess that number is ALOT higher.</p>

    • AnOldAmigaUser

      Premium Member
      14 December, 2018 - 12:09 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#381914">In reply to will:</a></em></blockquote><p>That was the original number but then is shared the photos of all their friends, and…</p>

  • jlariviere

    14 December, 2018 - 4:03 pm

    <p>if only Google would learn from the FB problems… They could fix their own problems and step up their marketing instead of shutting down Google+. It'd make it much easier to get people off of FB. </p><p><br></p>

  • irfaanwahid

    15 December, 2018 - 12:24 am

    <p>Facebook lately is a lot in the news, and all for the wrong reasons.</p><p>I think the FB craze with time will fade away.</p>

  • YouWereWarned

    15 December, 2018 - 1:33 pm

    <p>Why would anyone continue using a service whose founder makes it clear he doesn't really give a damn about privacy. I could care less what your friend's friend thinks or does, and assume they feel the same. Only notable "value" was to get a lying moron elected. </p>

  • locust infested orchard inc

    15 December, 2018 - 9:56 pm

    <p>Fakebook once again hits the headlines, but on this occasion it concerns not with the promotion of fake news, but for its self-inflicted impending death by having a total disregard for users' privacy.</p><p><br></p><p>Fakebook, as with many of today's technology companies, have a poorly thought out business model, displayed out in public with their errors of judgement, unethical business practices, and tax evasion, allowing me to indulge in satirical vitriol, particularly with their company names. On this occasion, with the continued series of embarrassing code bugs revealed, Fakebook has now become FacepalmBook.</p>

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