Facebook has suspended another data firm from its platform over reports that it is linked to political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.
Canada's AggregateIQ was suspended after Facebook revealed some 87m users may have had their personal data improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica, including 2.7m EU-based users of the social network.
“In light of recent reports that AggregateIQ may be affiliated with [Cambridge Analytica parent company] SCL and may, as a result, have improperly received FB user data, we have added them to the list of entities we have suspended from our platform while we investigate,” Facebook said in a statement.
“Our internal review continues, and we will cooperate fully with any investigations by regulatory authorities.”
Christopher Wylie, a whistleblower who used to work at Cambridge Analytica, has said AggregateIQ received payment from the pro-Brexit campaign group Vote Leave, according to Reuters.
AggregateIQ has denied working with Cambridge Analytica, though, saying in a statement on its website:
AggregateIQ has never been and is not a part of Cambridge Analytica or SCL. AggregateIQ has never entered into a contract with Cambridge Analytica. Chris Wylie has never been employed by AggregateIQ.
AggregateIQ has never managed, nor did we ever have access to, any Facebook data or database allegedly obtained improperly by Cambridge Analytica.
The company is being investigated by Canadian regulators, including on whether the firm broke privacy rules for its role in the Brexit campaign.
Read more: Culture secretary Matt Hancock demands answers from Facebook executives
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