Review of Mindf*ck
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Qualities
- Comprehensive
- Concrete Examples
- Hot Topic
Review
Data research and communications company Cambridge Analytica (CA) is best known for undermining the 2016 US election and the UK’s Brexit referendum with its targeted online campaigns: psychological warfare for the social media era. Author and whistleblower Christopher Wylie clearly explains how data scientists and behavioral psychologists exploited Facebook users, aided by artificial intelligence and lax privacy laws. He also encourages governments to act to protect internet users from manipulation.
Although perhaps a little long-winded in enumerating the dangers posed when bad actors weaponize internet user data, Wylie shows that the threat to privacy and democracy alike is very real, and why regulation is sorely needed. Wylie paints a withering portrait of CA’s many misdeeds under Breitbart News editor Steve Bannon’s guidance, but notes no one involved in the CA scandal suffered any legal consequences. Facebook tried to squelch the story and still refuses to participate in necessary oversight. Political junkies will not be able to put this book down.
About the Author
Christopher Wylie set up Cambridge Analytica, then became its most famous whistleblower, exposing the company’s misuse of social media user data.