Good afternoon, everyone.
I apologize for the late start, but I do call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 97 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(h) and the motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, the committee is resuming its study of the use of social media platforms for data harvesting and unethical or illicit sharing of personal information with foreign entities.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders of the House. Members are participating in person, in the room, and virtually using the Zoom application.
I'd like to remind all members not to put earpieces near the microphones, for obvious reasons. It does cause feedback and potential injury.
I'd now like to welcome our guests and witnesses today. All have the proper equipment and connection. We've done all the technical tests, and yes, things seem to be working properly.
We have a full slate today, and I want to welcome you all.
From Google Canada, we have Jeanette Patell, head of Canada government affairs and public policy, YouTube; and Shane Huntley, senior director, threat analysis group. From Meta Platforms, we have Rachel Curran, head of public policy, Canada; Nathaniel Gleicher, head of security policy; and Dr. Lindsay Hundley, influence operations policy lead. From X Corporation, I want to welcome Wifredo Fernández, head of government affairs, United States of America and Canada; and Josh Harris, senior privacy and data protection counsel.
We are going to start with Google.
You have up to five minutes for your opening statement to the committee. Go ahead, please.