The companysaid the bans were due to concerns about a web client extension used by the researchers.
The plugin, calledAd Observer, was used by volunteers tocopyFacebook ads they saw.
This was used to create a public database containing information on who the ads target and how theyre funded.
Facebook said the tool collected data about users who had not provided consent.
But the researchers claimed those users were advertisers who had consented to make their ads public.
is not in the public interest.
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The senators asked Zuckerberg eight questions about Facebooks decision to terminate the researchers access to the platform.
The senators have asked Zuckerberg to respond by August 20.
The letter adds to mounting pressure onFacebookto justify shutting down the research.
Critics have accused the company ofweaponizing privacy concerns to avoid external scrutiny.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
