Facebook has suspended the facial-recognition tool that suggests when registered users could be tagged in photographs uploaded to its website, according to BBC News.

The move follows a review of Facebook's efforts to implement changes recommended by the Data Protection Commissioner of Ireland last year.

Billy Hawkes, who did not request the tool's total removal, said he was encouraged by the decision to switch it off for users in Europe by October 15.

It is already unavailable to new users.

Hawkes said Facebook "is sending a clear signal of its wish to demonstrate its commitment to best practice in data protection compliance".

In December 2011 the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) gave Facebook six months to comply with its recommendations. They included more transparency about how data is used and individuals are targeted by advertisers and more user control over privacy settings.