ALBANY (AP) - New York state authorities will investigate Facebook after a report said the social media company harvests a large amount of personal data from smartphone apps without users' knowledge.

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that some apps automatically send data to Facebook that can include highly personal information such as heart rate data or the dates of a woman's ovulation.

Hours after the story was published, Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the state's Department of State and Department of Financial Services to "immediately investigate" what he calls a clear invasion of consumer privacy.

The Democrat also urged federal regulators to step in to end the practice.

In response to the story, Facebook said it requires apps to be clear with users about how their data is shared.