Last week, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) demanded answers from major social media companies about their plans to address the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and potential incitement of violence on their platforms in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. The letter was sent to the CEO’s of Meta, X, TikTok, Google, Microsoft, Instagram, Snap Inc., and YouTube.
“We write to your platforms as concerned Members of Congress, seeking further information about your preparation for and response to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, or the potential incitement of violence on your platforms leading up to the 2024 elections. We have already seen how posts with disinformation have spread on the major social media platforms both in the United States and across the globe during election cycles. We continue to be concerned with each of your companies’ ability to react efficiently and effectively to misinformation and disinformation, or to any potential incitement of violence occurring on your platforms,” the lawmakers wrote.
“Unfortunately, we have witnessed almost every major platform roll back their election policies, even in the face of blatant attacks on our democracy fomenting. This almost universal reversion on the issue of combating election mis- and disinformation is incredibly troubling,” continued the lawmakers.
The lawmakers also demanded answers to the following questions:
- Will your company be changing your election integrity policies between now and the 2024 U.S. general election? If so, please describe the reasoning for changes so close to the election.
- How will your company be more transparent in enforcement of its community guidelines regarding election integrity and transparent with the public about actions it has taken?
- Will your company commit to sharing data and metrics on the effectiveness of your enforcement systems in relation to US elections and political speech?
- How will your company address mis- and disinformation made by political actors or verified accounts, and how will they be treated differently, if at all, compared to ordinary users?
- Will your company commit to keeping these election integrity plans in place indefinitely and keeping Congress fully informed about potential changes?
The letter was also signed by Representatives Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-Ga.), and Doris Matsui (D-Calif.).
Read the full letter here.
