By Tripp Mickle

Two hours into the hearing, Rep. Bill Johnson (R., Ohio) likened the CEOs of Big Tech companies to those from large tobacco companies, accusing the Silicon Valley tech firms of being equally dangerous to society.

"Big Tech is essentially handing our children a lit cigarette and hoping they will stay hooked for life," said Mr. Johnson, referencing the effects that cyberbullying, extremism and screen addiction have on children.

Mr. Johnson asked if the CEOs thought they should be held accountable to Congress and the public for how they run their businesses.

"I think we are held accountable to Congress and the public," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.

"Yes," Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said.

"Yes, I'm here today because I'm accountable to Congress and members of the public," said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google parent Alphabet.

"Gentlemen, let me tell you this," Mr. Johnson said. "There's a lot of smugness among you. There's this air of untouchableness in your response to many of [the] tough questions you've been asked."

This item is part of a Wall Street Journal live coverage event. The full stream can be found by searching P/WSJL (WSJ Live Coverage).

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-25-21 1519ET