Google CEO testimony to Congress - LIVE: Sundar Pichai asked why Trump appears when you search 'idiot' amid grilling about data collection
Sundar Pichai says Google has 'no plans' to launch censored search engine in China
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Weeks before Democrats take over control of the House of Representatives, Republicans on the Judiciary Committee are questioning Google CEO Sundar Pichai on issues including transparency, data collection, and filtering.
This is the latest of several hearings Republicans have set up with tech company executives, which they claim have shown liberal bias in their dealings.
Google refused to send a representative the last time the Judiciary interviewed the top brass of social media companies, including Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. But, since then, the Mr Pichai has held closed door meetings with members of Congress to discuss what Republicans have branded as liberal bias at Google.
Follow updates from the hearing below and watch a live stream of the testimony here.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to update
Chairman Goodlatte is hitting on a lot of issues here, and has now mentioned that Android smartphones are able to collect a massive amount of data from users during the course of the day.
That includes tracking data on movement, and even the mode of transport that someone may take.
Ranking member Jerry Nadler is now giving his opening remarks, after Mr Goodlatte thanked Mr Pichai for attending the hearing.
Mr Nadler has called the idea that Google and other tech companies have anti-conservative bias a "fantasy". He said that he expects Republicans to bring up anecdotes, but that they will provide little evidence of an anti-conservative bias.
Mr Nadler, on the other hand, has suggested that they should be concerned about online efforts to spread disinformation. He referenced the 2016 election, in which Russia attacked the US elections in favour of President Donald Trump.
Mr Nadler has said he is concerned with bugs found in Google's systems that could leave the platform open to exploitation by malicious players, but noted that the company has not seen any indication those bugs had been exploited so far.
Mr Pichai is describing his childhood and the changes that technology had on his life before he moved to the United States 25 years ago.
He has been the CEO of Google for the past three years.
Mr Pichai is noting that Google is a major driver of jobs in the US, and that the company is able to help businesses all across the country.
He noted that the company drives a massive portion of the US economy. He also said that Google works with the government.
"I'm proud to say that we do and we will continue to work with the government to keep our company safe and secure," Mr Pichai said.
Mr Goodlatte has asked if Android phones send information to servers every few minutes, including location, altitude, temperature, and other data points.
Mr Pichai has said that Google goes out of its way to give people the ability to control their privacy.
He said that users have a choice on what data they send, and that some apps — like fitness apps — require certain data collection.
Mr Pichai has said that Google offers privacy checkups in order for users to review what information Google collects on them.
He said that users are able to review data and then to decide if data is stored or deleted. He also said that users can take their data with them if they choose to use other services.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments