Former Cambridge Analytica CEO questioned by MPs

UK – The former chief executive of data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica, Alexander Nix, has appeared before MPs as part of a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee inquiry on fake news. 

Cracked phone screen showing Facebook logo alonsgide laptop and glasses

Nix admitted his company received data from GSR, a company set up by Cambridge University researcher Aleksandr Kogan, contradicting earlier testimony to the committee, according to the BBC.

He first appeared before MPs in February as part of the DCMS fake news investigation.

He claimed that he believed he had previously been asked whether Cambridge Analytica was currently in possession of data from GSR rather than if it had ever held it.

Nix said: "On listening back to the transcript it was clear I was asked whether we had ever been supplied with that data and my answer should have been yes."

However, he stood by earlier testimony that it didn’t find GSR’s Facebook data useful and said the company had subsequently deleted the data at Facebook’s request.

He also criticised Christopher Wylie, the whistle-blower ex-employee of Cambridge Analytica, describing him as "bitter and jealous", adding that Wylie had been the "single source" for most of the accusations made.

Cambridge Analytica announced it was closing in May. 

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