Missouri attorney general demands info from Facebook on data

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley is demanding information from Facebook following allegations that the social media giant mishandled user data.

The Republican Senate candidate announced Monday that his office issued a civil investigative demand, which functions like a subpoena. It seeks details on how Facebook collects and shares user information.

Facebook didn’t immediately comment when contacted by The Associated Press.

Hawley is among 37 attorneys general who signed a letter last week asking Facebook similar questions. The Federal Trade Commission is also investigating.

Hawley’s announcement follows revelations that a consulting firm affiliated with President Donald Trump got data on millions of unsuspecting Facebook users. Facebook is also facing criticism for collecting years of data on call and text histories from Android users.

Hawley is running for Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill’s seat.