Popular applications on the social networking Web site Facebook could pose a security threat to users following a recent breach, according to the Wall Street Journal.

At least 10 applications have been sending personal information to dozens of advertising and Internet tracking companies.

The breach also affected users whose profile settings make their information private.

A Facebook spokesman said the company will introduce new technology to contain the breach. The company has also taken immediate action to disable all applications that violated their terms.

Most Facebook applications, which range from games to online family trees, are made by independent software companies.