-Source-CBS-
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will not appear before an "international grand committee" of at least five governments investigating disinformation and election meddling, according to a letter from Facebook that was obtained by CBS News. The hearing is scheduled for November 27.
Zuckerberg initially turned down an invitation by Damian Collins, a member of British Parliament, and Bob Zimmer, a Canadian lawmaker. But he was invited again after Argentina, Australia and Ireland signed on to the joint inquiry. On Monday, Facebook's Head of Public Policy for the United Kingdom, Rebecca Stimson, declined on Zuckerberg's behalf, writing in the letter that Zuckerberg will be unavailable. "Thank you for the invitation to appear before your Grand Committee. As we explained in our letter of November 2nd, Mr. Zuckerberg is not able to be in London on November 27th for your hearing and sends his apologies," Stimson wrote.
Zimmer told CBS News that the international group of politicians intend to respond to the rejection soon. Zimmer is chair of the Canadian Parliament's Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. He noted that Facebook did not address whether Zuckerberg might be available in the future. Facebook did not immediately reply to an email from CBS News seeking clarification on that point. Read more