Mark Zuckerberg to appear before European Parliament
Facebook founder to answer questions about data privacy in wake of Cambridge Analytica scandal
Facebook’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg will appear before members of the European Parliament to answer questions about the improper use of data by now defunct political consultancy, Cambridge Analytica.
The President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, confirmed that that Zuckerberg had accepted his invitation and would appear in Brussels “as soon as possible”, perhaps even next week.
It has been reported that the internet entrepreneur will meet specifically with party leaders and members of the civil liberties committee.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The news follows Zuckerberg’s appearance before US lawmakers in April, when he answered questions on data privacy but “refused to make any promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business”, reports Reuters.
French President Emmanuel Macron has already promised to hold “tough discussions” with Zuckerberg on tax and data privacy when he welcomes the Facebook boss, and the heads of other leading tech firms, to Paris next for a Tech for Good summit aimed at luring investment to France.
Macron has painted himself as a champion of France’s plugged-in youth and wants to transform France into a “startup nation”, says Reuters, but he is also spearheading efforts in Europe to have digital tax companies pay more tax at source.
One place Zuckerberg will not be appearing any time soon is the UK, where he faces the possibility of a formal summons by parliament after declining an invitation to appear before the media select committee.
The firm’s chief technology officer gave evidence to MPs instead.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Virtual prisons': how tech could let offenders serve time at home
Under The Radar New technology offers opportunities to address the jails crisis but does it 'miss the point'?
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Week contest: Airport goodbyes
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'We shouldn't be surprised that crypto is back'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published