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UK, Friday 23 March 2018
The High Court has granted an application by the Information Commissioner's Office for a warrant to search Cambridge Analytica's London office.
The ICO says it is "pleased with the decision of the judge" and will execute the warrant "shortly".
"This is just one part of a larger investigation into the use of personal data for political purposes and we will now need time to collect and consider the evidence," it said.
Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham wants to access London-based Cambridge Analytica's records and data.
The company, which uses data to change the behaviour of internet users, was hired by Donald Trump's campaign team during the 2016 presidential election.
The firm is accused of illegally harvesting the personal data of 50 million Facebook users.
It is alleged this information was given to Mr Trump's campaign strategists to provide an insight into the thoughts of American voters, ultimately influencing the 2016 presidential election.
The data watchdog's investigation includes the acquisition and use of Facebook data by Cambridge Analytica, its parent company SCL and academic Dr Aleksandr Kogan.
Dr Kogan is the University of Cambridge professor who developed the app 'This Is Your Digital Life' through his company Global Science Research (GSR) in collaboration with Cambridge Analytica.
The app offered payment in return for users filling out a personality test and Facebook says it was downloaded by 270,000 people.
The app also allegedly gave Mr Kogan access to the lists of the downloaders' Facebook friends.
Cambridge Analytica's chief executive Alexander Nix has been suspended while Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has been called on to give evidence to MPs.
The judge told the court he will give his reasons for granting the application on Tuesday.
Both Cambridge Analytica and Facebook deny any wrongdoing.
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