The European Parliament will in the coming months provide
input into proposals by the European Commission to force the companies to play
fairly with rivals and to do more to tackle online fake news and harmful
content or face hefty fines.
"The purpose of the planned hearing is to have an
exchange with the chief executive officers of the four globally leading
platform companies to learn about their current business models and future
concepts as they face the challenges of altering market conditions," said
an invitation sent to the companies seen by Reuters.
"The event will contribute to preparing the members of
the European Parliament for the upcoming discussions on potential new
regulation for the digital sector. For all these reasons, we wish to clarify
that this invitation is for the CEOs only."
The invitation said lawmakers were willing to change the
date to another day in February or March, however, people familiar with the
companies doubted they would take up the invitation.
Earlier on Friday it emerged that Alphabet Chief Executive
Sundar Pichai will hold a video-conference call with EU antitrust chief
Margrethe Vestager on January 25, according to a European Commission schedule.
Vestager, who is pushing for tough new rules, will discuss
digital and competition issues with Pichai, a Commission spokeswoman said.
© Reuters
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