The chairman of the Commons Culture Committee, Damian Collins, has repeated his call for Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to give evidence to its inquiry into fake news, saying it would be "appropriate" for him to do so in person or via video link.

Damian Collins updated Parliament on the invitation at the start of a hearing, scheduled for 10.30am, at which whistleblower Christopher Wylie is giving evidence about Facebook's links with data firm Cambridge Analytica.

The calls comes amid news that Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg will not answer questions from British lawmakers over how millions of users' data got into the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica

This is according to a letter sent by the social network seen by Reuters.

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Zuckerberg will instead send his Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer or Chief Product Officer Chris Cox to appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.

The committee, which had asked for Zuckerberg or someone senior from Facebook to appear, was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Reuters.

Zuckerberg apologized last week for the mistakes Facebook had made and promised tougher steps to restrict developers' access to such information in a scandal which has rocked the social media giant on both sides of the Atlantic.

The firm's Head of UK Public Policy told lawmakers that Schroepfer or Cox were better placed to answer questions.

"Facebook fully recognizes the level of public and Parliamentary interest in these issues and support your belief that these issues must be addressed at the most senior levels of the company by those in an authoritative position," wrote Rebecca Stimson.

"As such Mr Zuckerberg has personally asked one of his deputies to make themselves available to give evidence in person to the Committee."

More to follow...

Reuters