London — British lawmakers have accused Facebook of obstructing a parliamentary investigation into the spread of misinformation, saying the company has repeatedly failed to provide key documents and direct answers about its role in online disinformation campaigns.
The criticism came during a hearing of the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which has been examining how false and misleading content spreads through social networks. Lawmakers expressed frustration that Facebook executives declined multiple requests to testify in person and instead sent lower-level representatives who, they said, lacked authority to respond fully to questions.
Committee chair Damian Collins said the company’s limited cooperation had slowed efforts to understand how fake accounts and political advertising were used to influence elections. “Facebook’s behavior is deeply concerning,” Collins told reporters. “This is a company that talks about transparency but continues to evade meaningful scrutiny.”
The inquiry was launched after revelations that personal data from millions of Facebook users had been improperly accessed by third-party firms and used for targeted political messaging. Lawmakers sought internal documents detailing how the company handled data sharing, advertising policies, and the detection of foreign interference.
Facebook said it has provided extensive written evidence and remains committed to assisting the investigation, but members of Parliament argued that key questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the company’s knowledge of Russian-linked activities during major elections.
The dispute underscores a broader tension between tech companies and governments seeking accountability for online misinformation. As lawmakers worldwide push for stronger oversight, Facebook’s cautious approach has only deepened suspicions about its willingness to reform.
Analysts say the confrontation could mark a turning point in how governments regulate digital platforms. For Britain, the inquiry has become not just about fake news but about the power of social media giants and whether democratic institutions can hold them to account.
