Cambridge Analytica — manipulation of the personal data of EU citizens and connections to political parties in Europe
20.3.2018
Question for written answer P-001683-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Nicola Danti (S&D)
Revelations published in the American press have revealed that since 2015, the British agency Cambridge Analytica has been unlawfully removing personal information regarding some 50 million Facebook users. The personal data of these millions of users, after being analysed and modified, were then allegedly sold to numerous organisations and political parties, including in Italy, to enable them to ‘personalise’ their propaganda and influence the outcome of elections. This was a system in which data was genuinely manipulated and which apparently had a significant influence on the US presidential elections, the British Brexit referendum and many other elections worldwide. It is a scandal which involves private companies and political parties on a global scale and which is posing a serious threat to European democracies.
In view of this:
- 1.What measures does the Commission intend to take to shed light on the illegal use of the personal data of EU citizens by private companies acting on behalf of political parties and organisations?
- 2.Will it open an investigation procedure in order to obtain the documents and information that are currently in the possession of newspapers, so as to verify and publicly clarify any connections Cambridge Analytica might have with political parties in Europe?