Biden administration urges Meta to remove satire and ‘true information,’ emails reveal.
New Emails Reveal White House Pressure on Meta to Change Content Moderation Policies
Recently released emails shed light on the intense pressure exerted by the White House on Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to alter its policies on content moderation. These emails, made public by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), expose the back-and-forth exchanges between Meta and the White House regarding COVID-19 information.
Clashes Over Misinformation Policies
Meta’s leadership found themselves at odds with the White House over the enforcement of their misinformation policies, particularly concerning the removal of certain types of posts. The “Facebook Files” released by Jordan provide insight into this contentious issue.
Requests to Remove Satirical Content and Factual Information
In July 2021, Meta executives received requests from the White House to take down posts that were deemed to be spreading misinformation. These requests included the removal of “humorous or satirical content that suggests the vaccine isn’t safe,” as well as “true information” about the side effects of the virus, albeit without proper context.
Meta’s head of global affairs, Nick Clegg, revealed these details in the emails. He acknowledged that the White House had asked for the removal of such content.
Pressure from the Biden Administration
When questioned about the removal of posts discussing the COVID-19 lab leak theory, Clegg admitted that Meta had succumbed to pressure from the Biden Administration. He expressed regret, stating that they “shouldn’t have done it.” The lab leak theory, initially dismissed, is now being investigated by Congress.
Clegg also mentioned that former Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg wanted to demonstrate responsiveness to the White House by exploring certain actions, including ”blackholing” specific web domains. The exact meaning of “blackholing” remains unclear.
Increasing Acrimony with the White House
Clegg argued that Meta’s current approach of explaining their policies without shifting their boundaries would only lead to prolonged and escalating tension with the White House. This statement highlights the strained relationship between Meta and the Biden Administration.
Restricting Accounts Spreading Vaccine Misinformation
In response to mounting pressure from the White House, Meta eventually took action by restricting certain accounts identified as spreading vaccine misinformation. These accounts were collectively referred to as the “Disinformation Dozen.”
Jordan’s Ongoing Scrutiny of Meta
Rep. Jim Jordan has been closely monitoring Meta for several months. He previously subpoenaed the company, along with other tech giants, to investigate their content moderation policies. Jordan also sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, seeking clarification on the company’s latest product, Threads.
Contempt Threat Averted
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced the possibility of being held in contempt when the company initially failed to release the requested documents to Rep. Jordan. However, after the communications were eventually provided, Jordan backed off from pursuing contempt charges.
The House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government recently held a hearing featuring 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address concerns about online censorship.
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