Disinformation And ‘Fake News': Data Implications Of The Select Committee Report

The revelations surrounding Cambridge Analytica's use of personal data and involvement with the Vote Leave campaign raised serious questions about the use of personal data in the EU referendum campaign and more widely by technology companies in general.

The subsequent investigation by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee (the "DCMS Select Committee") has drawn attention to the activities of technology companies and the widespread use of digital personal data in political campaigning. It has been the catalyst for multiple investigations into a range of issues, including the extent to which electoral law is fit for purpose, the use of data analytics in political campaigns and policy recommendations concerning personal information and political influence.

The DCMS Select Committee published its final report (the "Report") on 18 February 2019 (available here).

Concurrent investigations

Alongside the DCMS Select Committee's investigation into disinformation and...