In 2018, a major scandal exposed how Facebook (now Meta) allowed a political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica, to harvest the personal data of 87 million users—without their explicit consent. This data was weaponized to influence elections, including the 2016 U.S. presidential race and the Brexit referendum.
Here’s how it worked: a seemingly harmless personality quiz app collected data not only from those who took the quiz but also from their Facebook friends. Cambridge Analytica then used this treasure trove of information to create detailed psychological profiles, targeting people with tailored political ads designed to sway their opinions and behaviors.
The Fallout
- Erosion of Trust: People began questioning Facebook’s commitment to privacy.
- Fines and Scrutiny: Facebook faced a record $5 billion fine from the FTC and global backlash.
- Broader Implications: It highlighted how easily personal data could be exploited, raising alarms about digital surveillance and the ethics of big tech.
The Cambridge Analytica scandal wasn’t just about one bad actor—it was a wake-up call. It revealed how companies like Facebook profit from our data while failing to protect it, leaving us vulnerable to manipulation.
Why It Matters
If a company uses your data for profit without regard for its consequences, can you trust them with your information? How many more scandals will it take before change happens?