Watch Trumping Democracy

Trumping Democracy is a documentary film released in 2017 that explores the impact of data mining and psychological profiling on the 2016 US presidential election. The film is directed by Thomas Huchon and co-written by Paul-Olivier Dehaye, who is also one of the key subjects of the film. The film presents a detailed and insightful analysis of how Cambridge Analytica, a data mining firm, was able to use social media and psychological profiling to influence the outcome of the election in favor of Donald Trump. The film uncovers the behind-the-scenes activities of Cambridge Analytica, whose key players are interviewed extensively throughout the film.

The documentary begins by introducing the idea of Big Data and its impact on society. It presents the case of Facebook and other social media platforms, whose business models are based on gathering and monetizing user data. The film then introduces Cambridge Analytica and its business model, which is based on using psychological profiling to target advertising and political campaigns.

As the film progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that Cambridge Analytica played a major role in the 2016 US presidential election. The film documents how the firm was able to gather vast amounts of data on American voters, and use this data to identify key swing voters and craft targeted political messages. The film also highlights how Cambridge Analytica was able to use social media to manipulate public opinion and influence voter behavior.

One of the key subjects of the film is Paul-Olivier Dehaye, a mathematician and data rights activist. Dehaye is one of the first people to expose the role of Cambridge Analytica in the US election, and his story is woven throughout the documentary. Dehaye’s investigation into the firm’s activities exposes the sophisticated techniques used by Cambridge Analytica to harvest and manipulate user data. The film presents Dehaye’s quest to uncover the truth behind Cambridge Analytica’s activities as a heroic one, and his story serves as an inspiration for others who seek to protect the privacy and security of user data.

Throughout the film, the viewer is presented with a range of interviews and testimonials from key players in the 2016 election. These include former Trump campaign aides, who describe how they worked closely with Cambridge Analytica to target specific demographics and craft political ads. Other key players include journalists and political strategists, who offer insights into the broader implications of the data mining industry and its role in modern politics.

The film also touches on the broader political landscape in which the 2016 election took place. It highlights the role of fake news and misinformation in shaping public opinion, and the role of social media in disseminating these messages. The documentary argues that the combination of Big Data, psychological profiling, and social media has fundamentally changed the nature of politics and that these forces pose a significant threat to democratic institutions around the world.

In addition to these themes, the film is also a call to action for individuals and organizations who are concerned about the role of Big Data in politics. The documentary presents a range of strategies for protecting user data, including increased transparency and regulation of social media platforms. The film argues that individuals must become more aware of the ways in which their personal data is being collected and used, and must take action to protect their privacy.

Overall, Trumping Democracy is a thought-provoking and often chilling documentary that exposes the darker side of modern politics. It is a must-see for anyone who is concerned about the impact of technology on society and the role of data mining in modern political campaigns. The film’s subject matter is timely and relevant, and its message is one that should be heeded by all those who believe in the importance of democracy and the rule of law.

Trumping Democracy is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.