Google’s empty chair at US Senate marks unforced error in D.C.


An empty chair reserved for Google's parent Alphabet, which refused to send its top executive, is seen as Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg accompanied by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on 'Foreign Influence Operations and Their Use of Social Media Platforms' on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, in Washington. Google CEO did not show for the hearing. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Google, faced with what may be the most intense political scrutiny in the company's 20-year history, decided to pass on a chance to defend itself in US Congress. 

A US Senate Intelligence Committee panel was convened Wednesday morning, the latest in a series of high-profile hearings on state-sponsored election meddling involving the largest technology platforms. Senior executives from Facebook Inc and Twitter Inc sat before the senators next to an empty chair marked “Google”. 

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Google; US Congress

   

Next In Tech News

Is China the target of new US global cyberspace and digital technology strategy?
International Baccalaureate taking ‘appropriate and timely measures’ to remove online posts containing leaked exam questions after outrage
Nintendo to announce Switch successor details this financial year
Chinese parents demand school transfer boy for bullying, ‘hitting and intimidating’ classmates; sparks heated online discussion
Losses of over RM350mil prevented after more than 3,000 scams disrupted by S’pore police, banks
Hidden camera filming through hole in trash can found in hospital bathroom, US cops say
Infineon launches savings programme as weak demand persists
TeamViewer Q1 revenue slightly short of forecasts, shares drop
Using AI for weight loss isn’t a bad thing, personal trainers say
Apple working on AI chips for data centers, WSJ reports

Others Also Read