Data firm Cambridge Analytica has announced it is "ceasing all operations" following the Facebook data breach.

In a statement, the British firm said it had been "the subject of numerous unfounded accusations" and was "vilified for activities that are not only legal, but also widely accepted as a standard component of online advertising in both the political and commercial arenas."

"Despite Cambridge Analytica's unwavering confidence that its employees have acted ethically and lawfully, which view is now fully supported by Mr Malins' report (independent investigator Julian Malins), the siege of media coverage has driven away virtually all of the company's customers and suppliers.

"As a result, it has been determined that it is no longer viable to continue operating the business, which left Cambridge Analytica with no realistic alternative to placing the company into administration."

Cambridge Analytica has been linked to Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, with the firm having sought information on Facebook to build psychological profiles on a large portion of the US electorate.

The company was able to amass the database quickly with the help of an app that appeared to be a personality test.

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Cambridge Analytica was also linked with Vote Leave ahead of the EU referendum in June 2016.

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