• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
Tech

Missouri Attorney General Is Investigating Facebook Over Cambridge Analytica Scandal

By
Jonathan Vanian
Jonathan Vanian
By
Jonathan Vanian
Jonathan Vanian
April 2, 2018 at 11:42 PM UTC

Missouri is investigating Facebook’s business and privacy practices following reports that political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica had obtained personal data about 50 millions of the social network’s users.

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley said Monday that his office had issued Facebook (FB) a subpoena seeking information about how the company gathers and safeguards user data. He is investigating whether Facebook accurately discloses how people’s personal information is used.

“There is no excuse for this irresponsible handling of user data,” Hawley said in a statement. “Missourians need to know that they can trust the companies and platforms that have access to as much user information as Facebook does.”

In a statement, Facebook said, “We look forward to responding to Attorney General Hawley’s questions when we receive the details of his request.”

Hawley’s inquiry comes amid withering public and political backlash against Facebook for its role in allowing Cambridge Analytica to access information about its users and to possibly influence the 2016 presidential election campaign. Massachusetts’ attorney general has already said she would investigate Facebook over the matter while a coalition of 37 state attorneys has sent Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg a letter urging him disclose more information about his company’s data collection and security practices.

BREAKING: I am leading a coalition of 37 AGs demanding answers of @facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Our job is protect consumers in our states – whenever their personal information is compromised. pic.twitter.com/pZPNJcvC9R

— Michelle Henry (@PAAttorneyGen) March 26, 2018

#BREAKING: Massachusetts residents deserve answers immediately from Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. We are launching an investigation. https://t.co/wjqmHa6zjm

— AG Maura Healey Archived (@AGHealeyArchive) March 17, 2018

Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission has also said it would investigate .

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

Facebook has struggled to defend itself against the privacy uproar. Zuckerberg has tried to make amends in interviews while also buying full-page ads in several U.S. and U.K. newspapers to apologize.

About the Author
By Jonathan Vanian
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Jonathan Vanian is a former Fortune reporter. He covered business technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data privacy, and other topics.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.