The phrase "potential misuse" means that something could be used in a wrong, harmful, or negative way, even though it is originally intended for a different purpose. Full definition
Acting for charitable trustees regarding potential misuse of charitable funds by employees as sanctioned by professional advisers who were also trustees. (byromstreet.com)
Unless the user changed their setting to block the built - in search function, they were vulnerable to potential misuse of their data. (rt.com)
Ravi Naik at ITN Solicitors is gathering claimants to see if the latest revelations warrant action against Facebook for potential misuse of data. (newscientist.com)