Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Journalist Carole Cadwalladr
Jul 8, 2019
Carole Cadwalladr, an investigative reporter for The Guardian known for exposing the Cambridge Analytica scandal, discusses the intersection of tech and democracy. She highlights the alarming rise of political disinformation and the 'cancer' of far-right misinformation. Cadwalladr shares insights from her encounters with whistleblower Christopher Wylie and critiques Google's lack of accountability. With a focus on the implications of social media in political campaigns, she advocates for stronger press accountability and reflects on the precarious state of journalism today.
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Google Search Bias
- Carole Cadwalladr's initial focus was on Google's search algorithm.
- She found that searches related to sensitive topics like "Jews" and "women" yielded biased and inaccurate results.
Right-Wing Use of Tech
- Right-wing groups effectively utilized online tools to spread their messages.
- The internet provided an equal footing for fringe groups, disrupting mainstream media.
Shift to Cambridge Analytica
- Carole Cadwalladr's investigation shifted to Cambridge Analytica after their denials of Brexit involvement.
- This led to her uncovering connections between Cambridge Analytica, Robert Mercer, Steve Bannon, and the Trump campaign.