Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: The inside story of the Cambridge Analytica scandal
Oct 16, 2019
Brittany Kaiser, former business development director at Cambridge Analytica and whistleblower, shares insights from her book, TARGETED. She narrates her journey from supporting Barack Obama's campaign to realizing the dark side of data usage in politics. Kaiser discusses the ethical pitfalls of online campaigning, the implications of Facebook’s data mishandling during the 2016 election, and warns that the 2020 elections could be even worse. She highlights the urgent need for regulatory reforms to protect democracy from misinformation and data exploitation.
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Meeting Cambridge Analytica
- While pursuing a PhD on preventive diplomacy, Kaiser became interested in big data for predicting global conflicts.
- This led her to a meeting with Alexander Nix and Cambridge Analytica, a company pitching data-driven solutions.
Cambridge Analytica's Initial Appeal
- Cambridge Analytica initially appealed to Kaiser because they presented themselves as using technology for good.
- Their pitch included projects on preventing ISIS recruitment and promoting healthcare adoption.
Joining Cambridge Analytica
- Kaiser joined Cambridge Analytica at 26 to learn predictive analytics while writing her PhD.
- She initially focused on commercial and social projects, viewing the company as a way to gain practical experience.
