Top Republican promises to scrutinize tech’s data practices

Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), the chairman of the House Commerce Committee, is promising to scrutinize tech companies’ data practices as online giants are facing mounting questions about their handling of consumer information.

In a blog post on Friday, Walden said that his panel would be holding two separate hearings in the coming months to examine internet platforms’ algorithms and identity verification procedures.

“We want all Americans to have a better understanding of how their data flows online,” Walden wrote.

“These hearings are just the start of a long-term, thoughtful, and research-focused approach to better illuminate how Americans’ data is being used online, how to ensure that data is safe, and how information is being filtered to consumers over the web,” he added.

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It’s unclear if Walden will be asking top tech companies to testify, but the scrutiny comes at a time when Silicon Valley is facing heat from Congress over Russian political ads purchased on social media platforms during last year’s presidential campaign.

Facebook, Twitter and Google will be testifying before the House and Senate intelligence panels on Nov. 1.

On Monday, the Commerce committee’s top Democrat, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (N.J.), asked those companies for a briefing on how they police user content on their platforms.

Walden said that the committee will hold a hearing in November on how companies use consumer data online. He did not reveal who the panel is asking to testify.

“It’s our job to shine a light on these practices for consumers and ensure transparency in the marketplace so they can make informed decisions,” he wrote.