Facebook has been accused of breaking European data protection laws in a report written for Belgium's privacy watchdog, Digital Spy reports.

Academics from the University of Leuven have claimed that the social network has made the process of adjusting privacy settings too convoluted.

The researchers further suggest that Facebook does not provide account holders with enough information about how their data is being used by advertisers.

It was concluded that the company is "acting in violation of European law" concerning how data is gathered about people, what is done with the information, and how people are informed about these practices.

The report was compiled after the company updated its privacy policy and terms and conditions in Europe on January 30.

Facebook has hit back at the allegations with a statement highlighting that its privacy policy was drawn up based on guidelines from the Irish data protection commissioner.

"We're confident the updates comply with applicable laws," said a spokesperson for the world's largest social network.