Updated: What We Know (and Don’t Know) About Cambridge Analytica

Cambridge Analytica

The Cambridge Analytica story is moving so fast that it can be hard to make sense of. Below is my list of essential reading, broken down by topic. As far as I can tell, here’s what we DON’T know:

  1. Did the Trump campaign even use Cambridge Analytica data to any great extent? CA claims they were the brains behind the operation; digital director Brad Parscale says no. According to the latest CNN story, it looks as though they provided data analysis services but that the campaign rejected their targeting models.
  2. Did Cambridge Analytica unleash a whole raft of classic dirty tricks in its international work? Or were its executives exaggerating to win over a potential client in the Channel 4 videos?
  3. Did Cambridge Analytica improperly coordinate with US-based political organizations as part of its work with the Trump campaign?
  4. Was Cambridge Analytica a secret conduit to Russian actors trying to influence the election?
  5. Bigger picture: is Cambridge Analytica ingeniously manipulative or just a big bunch of liars?

Background: Trump’s 2016 Digital Campaign

Cambridge Analytica: Big Picture

Cambridge Analytica and Facebook

Cambridge Analytica and the Trump Campaign

Cambridge Analytica and the Russians

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Written by
Colin Delany
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