In Ottawa, Facebook representatives denied removing the misleading content from the platform during the upcoming Canada federal election campaign. A panel of international politicians insisted on the two executives.
All the representatives from 11 different countries gathered in for the International Grand Committee on big data, privacy and Democrats. It is examining the role of tech in safeguarding privacy and democratic rights.
Facebook’s global policy directors, Kevin Chan and Neil Potts were questioned about not removing US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The video was doctored and was representing Pelosi as drunk.
UK PM Damian Collins said, “We are all aware that new technology is going to make the creation of these fake films or manipulated films so much easier.”
Collins asked both Facebook representatives why Facebook didn’t remove the video as of YouTube.
Also Read: Huawei Technologies Says US Move Sets Dangerous Precedent.
Chan and Potts explained Facebook holds a place to inform people about face content. But, at last, its people’s choice. However, they do remove content from fake and spam accounts.
Conservative MP Peter Kent asked, “Does Facebook defend the concept that it doesn’t have to be true to be your platform?”
Chain replied, “If lawmakers, in their wisdom, want to draw the line somewhere north or south of censorship, we would obviously oblige with local law.”
Same was testified by representatives of Twitter and Google. MPs were still exaggerating the absence of Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg.
Canadian MPs wanted Zuckerberg and Sandberg to appear before the House of Commons access to information, privacy and ethics committee.
Hence, if any one of them sets foot on Canadian soils then they have to appear.
Furthermore, Microsoft and Facebook signed a declaration and promised more initiatives to protect the integrity of the Canada federal election this fall.
MP Bob Zimmer said, “Shame on Mark Zuckerberg and shame on Sheryl Sandberg for not showing up today.”
