Former Cambridge Analytica chief admits firm got Facebook data from researcher

Alexander Nix, the former head of the now-defunct Cambridge Analytica, admitted on Wednesday that the firm had obtained data on 87 million Facebook users from a researcher embroiled in the data scandal.

According to Reuters, Nix told British lawmakers that he misspoke during previous testimony when he denied the origin of the data.

Nix affirmed that Cambridge Analytica had received data from the researcher, Aleksandr Kogan.

“Of course, the answer to this question should have been ‘yes,’ ” Nix said in a hearing Wednesday. Reuters reported that he had thought he was being asked if Cambridge Analytica was still holding on to the data.

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Nix, who was suspended from the consulting firm in March shortly after the data debacle was reported, denied that he had lied to Parliament.

He and the company have maintained that the data obtained from Kogan was destroyed and that it was not used to assist President Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Nix was suspended after an undercover video showed him promising a potential client that the firm could help candidates by engaging in blackmail and other unsavory practices.

On Wednesday, he apologized for the remarks but accused the outlet of selectively editing the video.

“It’s not only deeply embarrassing, but it’s something I regret enormously,” Nix said.