Data, Democracy and Dirty Tricks

The British data firm described as “pivotal” in Donald Trump’s presidential victory was behind a ‘data grab’ of more than 50 million Facebook profiles, a whistleblower has revealed to Channel 4 News. In an exclusive television interview, Chris Wylie, former Research Director at Cambridge Analytica tells all.

An undercover investigation by Channel 4 News reveals how Cambridge Analytica secretly campaigns in elections across the world. Bosses were filmed talking about using bribes, ex-spies, fake IDs and sex workers.

The undercover investigation reveals how Cambridge Analytica claims it ran ‘all’ of President Trump’s digital campaign – and may have broken election law. Executives were secretly filmed saying they leave ‘no paper trail’. And, as the report went on air, the firm announced it has suspended chief executive Alexander Nix, pending a full investigation.

Cambridge Analytica’s chief executive, Alexander Nix, is suspended by the company’s board, following Channel 4’s investigation.

A Brexit campaigner tells Channel 4 News that Vote Leave cheated in the 2016 referendum by over-spending. But the prime minister’s political secretary says the allegations are “factually incorrect and misleading” – and outs the accuser as gay.

Channel 4 News reports on the demise of a deal to harvest data from a million citizens – which was cancelled following the start of their investigation.

Despite assurances that it had been deleted, Channel 4 News has seen part of Cambridge Analytica’s US campaign data, which was harvested from 50 million people’s Facebook profiles.