UK data regulator probes Facebook over psychological experiment

The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office is investigating whether Facebook broke data protection laws when it allowed researchers to conduct a psychological experiment on users of the social network.

The ICO is probing the experiment and planned to ask Facebook questions after widespread outrage when it was revealed at the weekend. The regulator said it would also be in contact with the Irish data protection body, because Facebook has its European headquarters in Dublin. A spokesperson for the ICO said it was too early to tell exactly what part of the law Facebook may have infringed. The regulator looks at how much personal data are used and whether users have given their consent. It has the power to force organisations to change their policies and levy fines of up to £500,000.