Cambridge Analytica closure does not mean bosses can “run and hide” following Facebook data scandal
Investigators have vowed to plough on with probes into Cambridge Analytica and its use of millions of pieces of personal data, despite the UK firm folding last late night.
Cambridge Analytica ceased trading yesterday, claiming it had been “vilified” by the media in the wake of accusations it accessed 87m Facebook profiles and used them to assist in political campaigns.
Damian Collins, the chair of a parliamentary committee looking into the accusations said Cambridge Analytica would not be able to “delete its history”.
Meanwhile, Britain’s top data regulator said individuals and directors of the firm would continue to be “pursued”
Collins said: “The investigations into their work are vital.
We’ve got to make sure this isn’t an attempt to run and hide, that these companies are not closing down to try and avoid them being rigorously investigated over allegations that are being made against them.
Read more: Cambridge Analytica shuts down in wake of Facebook data scandal
Correct the record
Cambridge Analytica yesterday collapsed and appointed Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP as administrators.
While the firm offered little by way of apology for any of its actions, it said its closure followed “numerous unfounded accusations”
“Despite the company’s efforts to correct the record, has been vilified for activities that are not only legal, but also widely accepted as a standard component of online advertising in both the political and commercial arenas,” it said.
“Despite Cambridge Analytica’s unwavering confidence that its employees have acted ethically and lawfully … the siege of media coverage has driven away virtually all of the company’s customers and suppliers. As a result, it has been determined that it is no longer viable to continue operating the business.”
“Over the past several months, Cambridge Analytica has been the subject of numerous unfounded accusations and, despite the company’s efforts to correct the record, has been vilified for activities that are not only legal, but also widely accepted as a standard component of online advertising in both the political and commercial arenas,” it said.
“Despite Cambridge Analytica’s unwavering confidence that its employees have acted ethically and lawfully … the siege of media coverage has driven away virtually all of the company’s customers and suppliers. As a result, it has been determined that it is no longer viable to continue operating the business.”
A spokesperson for UK regulator the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said: “The ICO has been investigating the SCL Group and Cambridge Analytica as part of a wider investigation into the use of personal data and analytics by political campaigns, social media companies and others.
The ICO will continue its civil and criminal investigations and will seek to pursue individuals and directors as appropriate and necessary even where companies may no longer be operating.
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