Politicians around the world call for Mark Zuckerberg to answer questions over Facebook’s role in spreading fake news
Tory MP Damian Collins says Mr Zuckerberg’s response is ‘not good enough’
Facebook say Mr Zuckerberg cannot be available at ‘every parliament’
He rejected calls from UK, Australia, Canada and Argentina to attend committee
Mr Zuckerberg answered questions in Washington in April this year
By ROSS IBBETSON
DAILYMAIL.COM
8 November 2018
Politicians around the world have joined Britain in calling for Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to answer questions about fake news.
Officials from Australia, Ireland and Argentina have joined forces after Facebook refused the request from the UK and Canada for Mr Zuckerberg to appear before an ‘international grand committee’ on the subject on November 27.
Their request comes after Mr Zuckerberg, whose company makes millions worldwide, appeared before politicians in Washington on April 11 this year.
Damian Collins, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said Mr Zuckerberg’s response ‘is not good enough’.
‘By dismissing our request, Facebook is failing to acknowledge its line of accountability not only to legislators, but to its users worldwide.
‘There remain serious questions to be answered about what measures Facebook is taking now to halt the spread of disinformation on its platform and protection for user data.’
In declining the initial request, sent on October 31, Facebook UK’s head of public policy Rebecca Stimson said the company will ‘continue to co-operate fully with relevant regulators’.
She wrote: ‘As your letter states, it is not possible for Mr Zuckerberg to be available to all parliaments.
‘While he is unable to accept your invitation we continue to fully recognize the seriousness of these issues and remain committed to working with you to provide any additional relevant information you require for your respective inquiries.’
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