# Cambridge Analytica > 2013–2018 British political consulting firm **Wikidata**: [Q24083484](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24083484) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge_Analytica) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cambridge-analytica ## Summary Cambridge Analytica was a British political consulting firm active from 2013 until its dissolution in 2018. Owned by Robert Mercer and operating under the SCL Group, it specialized in data-driven political campaigning and strategic communication. ## Key Facts - Cambridge Analytica existed as a political consulting firm from 2013 to May 2, 2018. - It was owned by American computer scientist and businessman Robert Mercer and the British SCL Group. - Key personnel included British businessman Alexander Nix as a notable figure. - The firm had affiliated individuals including Steve Bannon, Brittany Kaiser (former Director of Business Development), and Canadian data consultant Christopher Wylie. - Operations were based in London, England, and Washington, D.C., United States. - The company operated primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States. - Its aliases included CA, Cambridge Analytica LLC, and Cambridge Analytica: CA. - The entity had 34 Wikipedia site links. ## FAQs * **Who owned Cambridge Analytica?** Cambridge Analytica was owned by American computer scientist Robert Mercer and the British SCL Group. * **Where was Cambridge Analytica located?** The firm was based in London, England, and maintained operations in Washington, D.C., United States. * **Who were the key people associated with Cambridge Analytica?** British businessman Alexander Nix was a key figure. Other affiliated individuals included American media executive Steve Bannon, former Director of Business Development Brittany Kaiser, and Canadian data consultant Christopher Wylie. * **When did Cambridge Analytica operate?** Cambridge Analytica was active as a political consulting firm from 2013 until its dissolution on May 2, 2018. * **What was Cambridge Analytica's primary business?** Cambridge Analytica was a British political consulting firm specializing in data-driven political campaigning and strategic communication. ## Why It Matters Cambridge Analytica gained significant notoriety for its role in major political events, including campaigns for Brexit and Donald Trump's 2016 US presidential campaign, utilizing sophisticated data analytics techniques. Its methods and the subsequent scandal over the misuse of personal data from Facebook raised profound questions about privacy, political manipulation through technology, and the ethical boundaries of data mining in politics. The firm's dissolution marked a watershed moment in public awareness and scrutiny of data-driven political campaigning. ## Notable For * Data-driven political consulting methods during its operational period (2013-2018). * Significant association with Steve Bannon, American media executive and political strategist. * Utilization of information and communications technology (ICT) for political purposes. * Connection to the SCL Group, a British behavioural research and strategic communication company. * Dissolution following public controversy over data usage practices. ## Body ### History Cambridge Analytica was established as a political consulting firm operating between 2013 and its dissolution on May 2, 2018. It functioned as a commercial enterprise undertaking professional activity within the political sector. The firm was officially registered as Cambridge Analytica LLC among its aliases. ### Ownership and Structure The entity was owned and operated by two primary entities: * **Robert Mercer:** An American computer scientist, banker, entrepreneur, and hedge fund manager, born July 11, 1946. * **SCL Group:** A British behavioural research and strategic communication company founded in 1993, headquartered in London, England, operating within the industries of political consulting and strategic communications. Cambridge Analytica operated as part of the SCL Group structure. ### Operations and Locations Cambridge Analytica maintained operational bases in two key locations: * **London:** As the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, London served as a primary base of operations. * **Washington, D.C.:** The capital city of the United States of America, where the firm also had a significant operational presence. ### Key Personnel * **Alexander Nix:** Served as a key figure within the firm, identified as a British businessman holding occupations including businessman and director. He was a British citizen. ### Affiliated Individuals Several notable individuals were affiliated with Cambridge Analytica: * **Steve Bannon:** An American media executive and political strategist (born 1953) with numerous occupations, including political consultant and executive. He was an American citizen. * **Brittney Kaiser:** Served as the former Director of Business Development at Cambridge Analytica. She held an occupation as an activist and was an American citizen. * **Christopher Wylie:** A Canadian data consultant holding occupations as a political strategist and whistleblower. He was a Canadian citizen. ### Purpose and Activities Cambridge Analytica functioned as a **business** and an **enterprise** within the realm of political consulting. Its core activity involved the **use of integration of telecommunications and computers to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information** – essentially applying **information and communications technology (ICT)** for strategic political purposes. The company specialized in data-driven political campaigning and strategic communication, leveraging behavioral research methodologies. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.thedailybeast.com/rebekah-mercer-stands-by-cambridge-analytica) 2. [Source](https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=434877108) 3. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/20/cambridge-analytica-suspends-ceo-alexander-nix) 4. [Scandale Facebook : la fermeture de Cambridge Analytica ne la met pas à l’abri des poursuites. Le Monde](http://abonnes.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2018/05/04/scandale-facebook-la-fermeture-de-cambridge-analytica-ne-la-met-pas-a-l-abri-des-poursuites_5294229_4408996.html) 5. [Source](https://istart.co.nz/nz-news-items/the-tech-gartner-says-you-need-to-know/) 6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File