FTC: Facebook Misled App Developers, Took Fees

Program promised better analysis and placement.

An investigation by the Federal Trade Commission has determined that Facebook misled hundreds of paying developers into thinking their apps for the social network were receiving special attention. The findings are unrelated to another FTC investigation of Facebook that concluded Friday.

The "Verified Apps" program ran for about eight months in 2009, billed as a way for app developers to get better placement in the network's app directory while also receiving a more thorough examination for possible security problems. Around 254 apps ended up being "verified," a process that cost $375 for normal developers or $175 for students and nonprofits.