Data mining

Emma Briant, an academic who specialises in modern propaganda studies, asked a reasonable question of the BBC - had they ever used the services of Cambridge Analytica, in its various forms since 2007 ?

The BBC refused the FOI request on the grounds that "the information you requested is excluded from the Act because it is held for the purposes of journalism, art or literature".

She's secured a higher level review, and the BBC now says "The  BBC does not hold information about any BBC contracts with Strategic Communication Laboratories or Cambridge Analytica to undertake research, marketing or other work.   Given this, the BBC was incorrect to apply the derogation to your initial request.  We apologise for any confusion caused. "