FACEBOOK is set to be fined £500,000 by UK watchdogs over the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

The Information Commissioner’s Office said the social media giant broke the law by failing to safeguard data or be transparent about how it was harvested by others.

The ICO launched an investigation into Facebook and political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica in February. That was when evidence emerged an app had been used to collect information from an estimated 87million users worldwide.

In March the ICO began looking into whether personal data had been misused by both sides in the Brexit referendum.

A progress report today details some of the other organisations and individuals now under investigation.

It includes the intention to fine Facebook for breaches of the Data Protection Act. Facebook will have a chance to respond before it is implemented.

Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said she wanted to “effect change and restore trust and confidence in our democratic system”.

Facebook said: “We’re reviewing the report and will respond to the ICO soon.”