11-4 BIG DATA | (200) Facebook's role in Brexit — and the threat to democracy | Carole Cadwalladr

Brexit and Ebbw Vale

  • Background Context

    • Brexit vote occurred in June 2016, leading to a shock outcome for many Britons.

    • Author visits Ebbw Vale, South Wales, where he grew up, to understand the high "Leave" vote.

    • Ebbw Vale's history: A rich working-class culture known for coal mining, steelworks, rugby, and male voice choirs; significant decline followed mining closures in the author’s youth.

Reactions to Brexit Vote

  • Ebbw Vale's Vote Statistics

    • Ebbw Vale had a 62% vote to leave the EU.

    • Author investigates reasons behind this strong support for leaving.

  • Observation of Economic Changes

    • Author notes several EU-funded projects in the town:

      • £33 million college of further education

      • £350 million regeneration project, including a new sports center.

      • A £77 million road improvement scheme and a new train line.

    • Large signs indicating EU funding present throughout town, showcasing the impact of EU investment.

Local Narratives

  • Interviews with Locals

    • Encountered townspeople expressing discontent with the EU, stating it had done nothing for them.

    • Common sentiments included frustration over immigrants and a desire to "take back control."

    • Notably, the immigration rate in Ebbw Vale is among the lowest in Britain, despite strong anti-immigration sentiment.

  • Role of Media

    • Reports indicate that misinformation about immigration was prevalent in right-wing tabloids yet contradicted by local demographics.

    • The author learns about disinformation on social media, particularly Facebook, affecting public opinion.

Digital Disinformation

  • Facebook's Dark Influences

    • Concerns raised about the lack of transparency surrounding Facebook’s advertisements and how campaigns targeted voters.

    • Lack of archived ads makes it impossible to trace the nature and impact of the misinformation spread.

    • Parliament's inquiries into Facebook for clarity on advertisement practices remain unanswered, drawing attention to potential electoral fraud.

Electoral Malpractices

  • Vote Leave Campaign Violations

    • "Vote Leave" campaign allegedly mismanaged funds by laundering significant amounts through other entities, leading to illegal actions.

    • Disinformation spread included false claims about Turkey's EU membership.

    • The referendum's critical effect stemmed from just 1% of the electorate’s votes.

  • Role of Other Groups

    • "Leave.EU" campaign, led by Nigel Farage, also accused of illegal activities.

    • Financial inquiries into Arron Banks’ funding sources hint at potential breaches in laws regarding electoral finances.

International Connections

  • Similarity with U.S. Elections

    • Cross connections drawn between Brexit and Donald Trump’s election, suggesting shared tactics and misinformation strategies.

      • Both the Brexit campaign and Donald Trump’s election utilized social media to spread misinformation.

      • Cambridge Analytica's data practices played a role in targeting voters' fears, influencing both campaigns.

      • Strategies included portraying immigrants as threats to jobs and security, despite differing immigration rates in the respective regions.

      • The use of misleading advertisements aimed at manipulating voter perception and creating emotional responses was prevalent in both contexts.

    • Emphasis on a global trend of using hate and fear in political campaigning.

Concerns About Technology's Impact on Democracy

  • Investigative Reporting Evolution

    • Author transformed from feature writer to investigative reporter to uncover the extent of misinformation affecting the Brexit vote, notably through interviewing a former Cambridge Analytica employee.

    • Cambridge Analytica linked to illicit data practices, with a focus on profiling voter fears to influence campaigns.

  • Defiance Against Legal Threats

    • Journalistic integrity upheld amidst legal threats from Facebook and Cambridge Analytica, highlighting the need for transparency in the digital age.

Call to Action for Silicon Valley

  • Addressing Tech Giants

    • The author delivers a message to the leaders of major technology companies to recognize their role in the degradation of democracy.

    • Highlights historical parallels regarding the dangers of unseen forces, like the silent gas in coal mines, serving as a metaphor for modern electoral manipulation through technology.

    • Concludes that democratic systems have been compromised due to technological advancements outpacing regulatory frameworks.