Cambridge Analytica, a small and once obscure consulting and advertising firm, became the subject of investigation and condemnation after it was revealed the company had improperly obtained the personal information of millions of Facebook users. “Of course, the answer to this question should have been ‘yes,’” Nix said, adding that he thought he was being asked about whether Cambridge Analytica still held data from the researcher. Cambridge Analytica at the time said the comments did not “represent the values or operations of the firm.”

Nix apologized for his comments, saying he had been foolish and had made exaggerated claims in order to attract what he thought was a potential client.
Alexander Nix, the head of Cambridge Analytica, faces questions from British MPs regarding the company's use of data.