Senate Intelligence Committee Grilled Steve Bannon About Cambridge Analytica

[DonViejo]

The notorious ‘psychographic’ data firm remains of interest to Senate investigators—as does the former Trump strategist.

Betsy Woodruff
12.06.18 4:56 AM ET

Steve Bannon found himself back in the hot seat last month as the former White House adviser answered questions from Senate intelligence committee investigators behind closed doors, according to two sources familiar with the meeting. The sources said investigators asked about Cambridge Analytica, the controversial and now-defunct data firm he co-founded; and Roger Stone, a self-described dirty-trickster and Trump associate.

The committee has been quietly investigating Russian meddling in the American political system for nearly two years. While partisan acrimony rocked the House intelligence committee’s Russia probe, the Senate’s investigation has proceeded with scant public friction.

Spokespeople for Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr and Vice Chairman Mark Warner declined to comment on the record. A lawyer for Bannon declined to comment on the record as well.

Bannon’s interview indicates investigators remain interested in Cambridge Analytica’s work for President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign. The firm’s staff claimed it used “psychographic profiling” to tailor ads based on people’s personality traits. The firm’s critics said this was bluster, and drew comparisons to failed blood-testing start-up Theranos.

Cambridge Analytica drew international opprobrium when its work covertly harvesting millions of Facebook users’ personal information was revealed in March. Facebook denounced the company’s tactics, but still suffered enormous public blowback. In May, Cambridge Analytica announced it was closing down.

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https://www.thedailybeast.com/senate-intelligence-committee-grilled-steve-bannon-about-cambridge-analytica

[Ford_Prefect]

1. Has the Committee shared info on the same topics and individuals with Parliament?

It would seem a natural conclusion that they should given the apparent targets and funding of Cambridge Analytica, along with Messrs. Stone & Bannon.

[pecosbob]

2. 'In May, Cambridge Analytica announced it was closing down', but actually just changed names

and went right on doing what they had been doing all along.

[Roland99]

3. Founded by Bannon. Funded by Mercers. Spread enormous amounts of fake news