Facebook fires employee over Tinder post about access to private user info

Facebook Inc.on Thursday said thatit fired an employee accused of bragging on matchmaking appTinder about his access to private user information.

The incident comes as Facebook faces global concerns aboutpersonal data privacy, including Congressional hearings at whichChief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg testified.

A Twitter user earlier on Wednesday postedabout the Tinder conversation along with screenshots, sayingFacebook's security engineer is "likely using privileged accessto stalk women online".

In a statement, Facebook's Chief Security Officer AlexStamos said the company quickly investigated the situation andimmediately fired the person.

Access to sensitive data is logged, and the company hasautomated systems designed to detect and prevent abuse, Stamossaid.

"Employees who abuse these controls will be fired period."