Watch Drive Angry Online: The Inside Story of Cambridge Analytica's Data Harvesting Scandal

In recent years, there have been several high-profile data breaches and scandals involving social media platforms like Facebook. However, one of the most significant and controversial cases is the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater accountability.

At the heart of this scandal is Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm that was accused of harvesting millions of Facebook users' personal data without their consent. This data was then used to create targeted advertisements and voter profiles in an effort to influence the 2016 US presidential election.

The story began in 2014 when a Cambridge Analytica employee acquired tens of millions of Facebook users' private data, including their likes, interests, and even their psychological profiles. This data was then shared with political campaigns without users' knowledge or consent.

The extent of the data harvesting became apparent in March 2018, when The New York Times published an exposé detailing Cambridge Analytica's activities. The report revealed that the firm had acquired Facebook data on tens of millions of users, and used it to build voter profiles and create targeted advertisements.

The scandal sent shockwaves through the tech industry and beyond, with many calling for greater regulation and accountability from social media companies like Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, faced intense scrutiny and was forced to testify before Congress about the company's data practices.

In the aftermath of the scandal, Cambridge Analytica shut down its operations and its parent company, SCL Group, filed for bankruptcy. However, the controversy has also led to increased awareness and calls for greater transparency and accountability from social media companies.

As a result, Facebook has made significant changes to its data policies and practices, including the introduction of stricter rules around data sharing and advertising. The company has also faced numerous lawsuits and regulatory investigations into its handling of user data.

The Cambridge Analytica scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting personal data online and the need for greater transparency from social media companies. As we continue to navigate this complex issue, it is clear that there will be no easy solutions or quick fixes. However, by working together and demanding greater accountability from tech giants like Facebook, we can create a safer and more transparent digital environment for everyone.

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