Consumer organisations in Germany are suing Facebook for continuing to share personal data with third-party app makers using its App Center portal, reports PC Advisor.

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (VZBV) said Facebook should ask app users for their explicit permission before sharing data with third parties.

The legal action is being taken against Facebook Ireland, which is responsible for Facebook activity outside North America, at a Berlin regional court.

Third party apps often request access to users’ chat data, information about friends, personal contact information, and the ability to post on Facebook walls.

Facebook previously sought user consent via a pop-up window but the VZBV said App Center no longer follows this model and grants access to data without seeking user permission.

The VZBV warned Facebook in August that it would take legal action if it didn’t change its privacy practices within App Center.