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Report: Facebook Apps Transmitted Personal Information

NEW YORK (KNX 1070/AP) — The Wall Street Journal is reporting that 10 popular Facebook applications have been transmitting users' personal identifying information to dozens of advertising and Internet tracking companies.

The newspaper said Monday that the breach also includes users who set all their information to be completely private. And in some cases, it says, the apps provided access to friends' names.

A Facebook spokesman told the Journal on Sunday that the company would introduce new technology to contain the breach. It's not clear how long the breach went on.

The paper says Facebook also has taken immediate action to disable all applications that violated their terms. Most apps are made by independent software companies, not by Facebook.

Security analysts tell CNET writer Caroline McCarthy that Facebook's growth has led the company to devote their resources to keeping the site afloat and innovative.

So what can Facebook users do?

Podcast

CNET Writer Caroline McCarthy Talks With KNX 1070's Dick Helton, Jack Popejoy, And Vicky Moore About What Facebook Users Should Do To Secure Privacy

"First of all, be aware of exactly how many companies to which you're turning over your personal information. I think you should always be skeptical of the promises that they say they make with regard to what they do or don't do with your personal information," McCarthy said.

"I think that also something that's important is to be aware of just how many times you're giving over your Facebook information, how much information about yourself you put on Facebook in the first place and to understand that even if these third party companies do not have all that much information on you, there are still other companies that do," she added.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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