Micro-blogging site Twitter, on Tuesday, 8 October, said it mistakenly used the phone numbers and email addresses people provided for security purposes to show them advertisements.
The company, in a blog post, said it “inadvertently” used the emails and phone numbers to let advertisers match people to their own marketing lists. The company, however, did not reveal how many users were affected.
It also said that it did not share personal data with advertisers or other third parties, and the problem was fixed on 17 September.
Twitter added that when advertisers uploaded their marketing lists, it may have matched people on the platform to their list based on the email or phone number provided by account holders.
The company said the information was not shared with third parties, but was made available internally to allow users to receive targeted advertising.
Social media companies have been facing heat from users and regulators globally on their handling of user data. Facebook also recently settled with the Federal Trade Commission earlier this year over its privacy missteps. In addition to a $5 billion fine, the settlement included limits on how Facebook shares data with third parties.
Facebook also agreed not to use phone numbers given for security purposes to advertise to people.
(With inputs from AP)
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