Cambridge Analytica shuts down operation

Cambridge Analytica, the political consulting firm behind the Facebook data scandal, has announced its closure.

The United Kingdom-based firm, which combined data mining, data brokerage and data analysis with strategic communication for electoral processes has been accused of improperly harvesting personal data on behalf of its political clients, including the UK Brexit referendum.

The firm announced the closure, citing a loss of business.

However, according to a BBC report, the Information Comissioner’s Office (ICO) has affirmed its position that the closure will not affect an on-going investigation into the firm, saying that it will still “pursue individuals and directors”.

Joe Harrod of Signify Technology is reported to have said that Cambridge Analytica’s closure “is a really positive moment for data science”.

By Joel Eneogwe