NEW YORK — Social-sharing app Path has come under fire for accessing and uploading users' phone address books without their permission. The information has now been deleted, and Path has apologized.

Path dubs itself a "personal network," letting its users share photos, videos and updates with close friends. That Path prides itself on strict privacy controls makes the mishap even more glaring. CEO Dave Morin said in a blog post Wednesday that Path is "deeply sorry" if its users were uncomfortable with the way their phone contacts were used.

Morin says the address books were uploaded to Path's servers over an encrypted connection and were used to improve friend suggestions and tell people when their friends joined the service.

A new version only uploads users' contacts only if they choose that option.