The chief executives of Twitter, Facebook, and Google faced US lawmakers at a hearing on Thursday, where they were grilled about the mishandling of fake news and online extremism.

The hearing was the first appearance before congress by the three tech giants since the Capitol Hill riots in January.

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, were all asked whether their platforms bore responsibility for the riot.

Only Dorsey replied “yes” to the question, but said that the “broader ecosystem” must be acknowledged.

While Google’s Pichai said that the company always feels a sense of responsibility but that it was a “complex question.”

Zuckerberg responded by saying Facebook builds “effective systems,” and that the rioters, alongside former president Donald Trump, should be held accountable.

At the hearing, US officials condemned all three platforms’ approaches to misinformation.

“We fled as a mob desecrated the Capitol, the House floor, and our democratic process,” said Democratic representative Mike Doyle. “That attack, and the movement that motivated it, started and was nourished on your platforms.”

The chief execs were also questioned about the high levels of vaccine misinformation on their platforms.

Concerns were also raised about the impact of social media on children, while questions were asked about Facebook’s plans to develop an Instagram platform for kids.

“Your business model itself has become the problem and the time for self-regulation is over. It’s time we legislate to hold you accountable,” said Democratic representative Frank Pallone, chair of the Energy and Commerce committee.

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