Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: “The Great Hack” director Karim Amer
Jul 31, 2019
Karim Amer, director of the Netflix documentary 'The Great Hack,' discusses the ethical implications of data manipulation in political campaigns. Former Cambridge Analytica COO Julian Wheatland reflects on the scandal and the personal responsibility of tech firms. Early Facebook investor Roger McNamee emphasizes the urgency for corporate accountability. The conversation explores the fragility of democracy and the need for transparency in tech, comparing social media giants to mid-century chemical companies, highlighting the dire consequences of data exploitation.
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Uncertainty about Key Figures
- Julian Wheatland, former COO of Cambridge Analytica, expresses uncertainty about the intentions and actions of key figures in the scandal.
- He questions whether Andrew Nix is a victim, hero, or if Brittany Kaiser's role is clear.
Compliance over Ethics
- Julian Wheatland claims Cambridge Analytica prioritized regulatory compliance over ethical considerations.
- He attributes some of the company's missteps to this misplaced focus.
Beyond Cambridge Analytica
- Karim Amer argues that solely blaming Cambridge Analytica is shortsighted, as the company is a symptom of a larger problem.
- He emphasizes that the commodification of elections and data exploitation are the root causes.
