The London-based data mining firm Cambridge Analytica has suspended its chief executive Alexander Nix on the grounds of Facebook user data scandal. Hundreds of millions of Facebook users have compromised their data without consent. Several multinational companies have harvested information, leading to a major data breach.
According to Daily Sabah, the decision was made by the firm’s board of directors after Britain’s broadcaster Channel 4 undercover report discovered a new angle to the scandal, in which Nix shared views on how the firm could help political clients.
Channel 4 aired the footage revealing Nix’s boastful discussion. The discussion appeared to position the firm in a hoax. He suggested the firm is capable of false reports online, recruit hidden subcontractors, and establish false institutions and websites to extract data.
In response to Nix comments, Cambridge Analytica, said they “do not represent the values or operations of the firm and his suspension reflects the seriousness with which we view this violation.”
This company was subject to scrutiny a few days ago, and an important personality responsible for establishing the company told The Guardian, information about Facebook’s 50mn users was extracted without their permission for its Trump campaign election work in 2016.
Facebook said on Friday it has cut ties with Cambridge Analytica and its parent company, Strategic Communication Laboratories (SCL). Senator Mark Warner told ABC News “I think it’s time for the CEO, Mr Zuckerberg, and other top officials to come and testify.”