How Facebook has reacted since the data misuse scandal broke

Main Idea: Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg moved from a long quiet period to a rapid series of fixes after the data misuse scandal became a major public crisis.

Key Points:

• The article says Facebook knew for years that political groups could use its data, but did little until the scandal broke wide open in March 2018.
• After fresh reports, Facebook suspended Cambridge Analytica, hired outside investigators, and said it would audit apps and warn users whose data was misused.
• Many of Facebook’s new steps, like tighter privacy settings, app limits, and clearer terms, were already being pushed by GDPR compliance in Europe.
• Facebook also moved to fight election abuse by adding checks for political advertisers, building an ad archive, and notifying users whose data may have been shared.