Cambridge Analytica (2018)

About

Cambridge Analytica was a British political consulting firm at the center of a major data scandal in 2018. Founded in 2013, it was known for its role in microtargeting political advertising using personal data. The firm gained notoriety for acquiring data from millions of Facebook users without consent, leveraging an app called "This Is Your Digital Life" developed by Aleksandr Kogan. This app collected user data and that of their friends, impacting up to 87 million profiles. The scandal led to significant repercussions, including Cambridge Analytica's bankruptcy in May 2018. The firm faced allegations of deceptive practices, and its methods raised concerns about data privacy and political manipulation. The scandal prompted global scrutiny, with Facebook facing fines and regulatory actions. It highlighted the need for stronger data protection laws and ethical standards in political advertising. The incident remains a pivotal moment in discussions about digital privacy and political influence.