ALP, Libs deny using alleged Facebook data miners Cambridge Analytica

The Australian Labor and Liberal parties have denied using data firm Cambridge Analytica, despite reports it met with a group of Liberal party members last year.

File photo dated 30/11/15 of Facebook's logo reflected in a pair of glasses. Source: AAP

Data mining firm Cambridge Analytica uses what it calls "behavioural microtargeting" -- combining analysis of people's personalities with demographics -- to predict and influence mass behaviour.

It's now being alleged the firm used illegally-obtained Facebook data from around 50-million users to try and influence Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

Reports from the United States suggest the firm, which was hired by the Trump campaign, used the data to design software to predict and influence voters' choices at the ballot box. 

Cambridge Analytica, who also worked with Britain's "Leave" campaign in the Brexit vote, is strongly denying the allegations.

Cambridge Analytica registered an Australian office in 2015.

In April last year, representatives came to Australia to address an advertising conference, and also met Liberal M-P Dan Tehan.