Digital technologies and personal data are increasingly used in political campaigns to influence people's voting choices. Understanding the technologies and players that are part of this "Influence Industry” has become a priority for journalists, researchers, and digital rights groups. To ensure elections are transparent and accountable, it is key to be able to access information about the companies - such as data brokers and consulting firms - that influence election outcomes globally.
To increase access to information about this industry, Tactical Tech has developed The Influence Industry Explorer - an open-data tool that provides curated information based on public evidence of over 500 companies that play a role in elections worldwide. Besides details on the companies, the tool offers information about over 30 countries they work in, the timelines of their work, and the type of work they do. This is appended with financial data from the detailed public records of election spending held in the UK and the US. The Explorer is supported by public sources and our research methodologies which are also accessible through the tool and the accompanying case studies.
What can journalists, researchers, and investigators do with “The Influence Industry Explorer”?
The industry is multifaceted and represents several investigative opportunities, and now we want to collaborate and co-develop the next stage with investigators. The tool enables users to discover the details of companies involved in international scandals, such as Cambridge Analytica or Crosby Textor. Users can also dive deeper to investigate their own questions, such as examining how much political parties in the US have spent on consulting firms such as Blue State Digital, the type of work companies are conducting in Indian elections, or the role of partisan companies working across several different countries such as McLaughlin & Associates. Through the Explorer, you can:
More information and requests:
For questions, feedback, and collaboration requests related to the Influence Industry Explorer, please contact: amber@tacticaltech.org.
For media requests and interviews, please contact: press@tacticaltech.org.
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