Facebook Now Being Probed Over Emotion Experiment

Facebook's recently revealed emotions experiment has caused an uproar from users and non-users alike, some of it arguably valid, others based on a misunderstanding of what took place. Regardless, the cries of users have been heard, and the social network is now under a probe by the Information Commissioner's Office and other agencies.

The Information Commissioner's Office in Britain is looking into the matter, specifically regarding whether a violation of privacy took place, according to the New York Times. In the same vein, Ireland's Office of the Data Protection Commissioner is also investigating the matter, having reportedly sent Facebook several questions about the experiment.

While both data protection agencies are looking into the matter, neither of them are conducting an official investigation at this point, instead probing into the matter to see if an official investigation is needed. Many want the FTC to initiate a similar preliminary probe.

Said a spokesman for the British protection agency in particular, "We're aware of this issue, and will be speaking to Facebook, as well as liasing with the Irish data protection authority, to learn more about the circumstances."

SOURCE: NYT, Huffington Post