Facebook’s Photo Leak: Here’s how to check if you were affected

Today, Facebook announced that a bug in its API exposed private photos for 6.8 million users who were using one of  1,500 apps connected to the platform.

This photo leak bug let the developers see photos from Facebook Stories, Marketplace photos, and (skeevily) photos uploaded to Facebook but never shared. While the bug was only in effect for under two weeks, it has wide-ranging implications.

As part of Facebook’s disclosure process, the social giant also created a page housing a tool that can tell users if they were in the affected group, and which apps they need to take action on.

How to see if you were affected by the Facebook photo leak

It’s worth checking your account, even if Facebook hasn’t sent you a notification that you’re affected. To check:

Visit this page, then sign into your Facebook account if prompted

You’ll see a box with bold font saying “Which apps may have had access to my other photos?” That’s where, if you’re affected, you will also get the next steps to make sure to be protected.

Screenshot: Joe Rice-Jones / KnowTechie

You’ll notice that my account wasn’t part of the affected group, probably due to the fact I rarely use Facebook nowadays. Still, better safe than sorry.

Were you affected by the photo leak issue? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere. His hobbies include photography, animation, and hoarding Reddit gold.