Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Called to Testify Before House Committee

Social network has left many questions “unanswered,” according to statement from House committee

Mark Zuckerberg’s apology tour might not be over just yet.

The Facebook co-founder and chief executive has been called to testify in front of a House of Representatives committee on Thursday, in the aftermath of millions of users having their information leaked to a political data firm. Zuckerberg is “the right witness to provide answers to the American people,” House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden and top Democrat rep Frank Pallone said in a statement.

“The latest revelations regarding Facebook’s use and security of user data raises many serious consumer protection concerns. After committee staff received a briefing yesterday from Facebook officials, we felt that many questions were left unanswered,” said Walden and Pauline. “We look forward to working with Facebook and Mr. Zuckerberg to determine a date and time in the near future for a hearing before this committee.” 

The congressmen promised to send Facebook a letter to formally invite Zuckerberg in the days ahead.

Zuckerberg has been in the crosshairs of regulators and the public since it was revealed late last week data firm Cambridge Analytica had lifted the data of 50 million unwitting users back in 2014. The firm was eventually contracted by the Trump administration to target voters online during its successful run to the White House in 2016.

In an interview with Wired on Wednesday afternoon, Zuckerberg said he was open to testifying in front of congress on the leak.”If it is ever the case that I am the most informed person at Facebook in the best position to testify, I will happily do that,” said Zuckerberg.

Comments