SCL Group

SCL Group was a British behavioral research and strategic communication company, specializing in data mining and analysis. It developed sophisticated "influence operations" to identify and sway specific audience segments. These techniques aimed to shape public opinion and modify behavior, integrating social media branding and advanced voter targeting for strategic impact.

Nigel John Oakes founded the firm, initially as Behavioural Dynamics Institute in 1990, becoming Strategic Communication Laboratories in 1993. Oakes, leveraging his media background, believed academic psychology and anthropology could more effectively shift mass opinion than traditional advertising, forming their unique behavioral influence approach.

SCL Group primarily served governments, military organizations, and political campaigns globally, especially in developing countries. Its subsidiary, Cambridge Analytica, focused on political consulting. The company aimed to provide clients with data, analytics, and strategic advice, influencing electoral outcomes and public will through strategic manipulation of public sentiment.