Cambridge Analytica Facebook Data Scandal

Cambridge Analytica Facebook Data Scandal

In March 2018 it was revealed that British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica improperly obtained personal data from millions of Facebook users through a third‑party app called “This Is Your Digital Life.” The app was developed by researcher Aleksandr Kogan and collected data not only from users who installed it but also from their Facebook friends. Facebook’s platform policies at the time permitted this broad data access. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Cambridge Analytica used the harvested data to build analytical models for political campaigns, including the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and to deliver targeted messaging. The company faced widespread scrutiny after former employee Christopher Wylie disclosed the practices to media outlets, leading Facebook to ban Cambridge Analytica from its platform and triggering global investigations into data privacy and political advertising. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The scandal led to international regulatory action, including fines against Facebook and multiple lawsuits. Facebook’s parent company Meta later paid billions in settlements and faced ongoing legal challenges connected to its data‑sharing practices. Cambridge Analytica ceased operations amid the controversy. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}