Pennsylvania collaborates with DHS, CISA to censor election speech it considers ‘threatening
Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has announced an exciting new partnership to protect the integrity of elections in the state. The Pennsylvania Election Threats Task Force, created by Shapiro, will work alongside state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat misinformation and ensure safe and secure elections. This collaboration will involve close cooperation with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a key player in safeguarding election processes.
The Election Threats Task Force aims to coordinate efforts to mitigate threats, protect voters from intimidation, and provide accurate election information. According to Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, the force will specifically target individuals spreading lies, baseless conspiracy theories, and attempts to delegitimize elections.
The press release emphasizes the importance of the Election Threats Task Force in combating misinformation. The Pennsylvania State Department will work closely with DHS and CISA to establish effective communication channels and share intelligence among the participating government agencies.
While the details of this collaboration remain undisclosed, it is crucial to note CISA’s history of censoring election-related speech. CISA, known as the “nerve center” of federal censorship efforts, has previously used the pretext of combating misinformation to wrongfully censor online speech. This raises concerns about the potential impact of their involvement in Pennsylvania’s task force.
Documents obtained by America First Legal reveal that CISA was aware of risks associated with unsupervised mail-in voting before the 2020 election. Despite this knowledge, the agency classified social media posts highlighting similar concerns as “disinformation” and flagged them for censorship. Internal communications also exposed CISA’s awareness of challenges with absentee voting.
Partnering with CISA comes with its own set of controversies. The agency has attempted to cover up its activities, including surveillance and censorship programs, as detailed in a report from the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. The report exposes CISA’s efforts to disguise the true nature of its work by removing references to surveillance and censorship from its website.
Although the extent of Pennsylvania’s partnership with CISA remains unclear, it is worth noting that the agency’s license to censor Americans is currently under scrutiny in the Supreme Court case of Missouri v. Biden. The court issued a preliminary injunction in October, temporarily restraining CISA from coercing social media companies to suppress protected free speech. The Supreme Court has yet to rule on the censorship activities of CISA and other Biden administration agencies.
Another partner in Pennsylvania’s task force is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has its own track record of targeting free speech under the guise of preventing threats. DHS has labeled “misinformation” about Covid-19 and election integrity as a “terrorism threat.” The agency claims that false or misleading narratives introduced and amplified by foreign and domestic actors could inspire acts of violence. However, the DHS has failed to provide evidence to support these claims.
It is important to consider the implications of partnering with a federal department that has a history of targeting free speech. While Pennsylvania’s efforts to protect elections are commendable, the involvement of CISA and DHS raises concerns about potential censorship and the suppression of dissenting voices.
rnrn
How does the partnership with agencies like CISA raise concerns about potential censorship and bias in addressing election-related speech?
S with certain risks, as it has shown a propensity for suppressing speech that it deems to be misinformation. This raises questions about the potential impact on free speech and the ability of individuals to express concerns or opinions about the election process.
However, it is important to note that the Pennsylvania Election Threats Task Force also includes other agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the state government, which may provide a balance and ensure that the focus remains on protecting the integrity of elections rather than stifling speech.
The Task Force’s objective of combatting misinformation and protecting voters from intimidation is commendable. Misinformation can have a detrimental effect on the democratic process, as it can sway public opinion and erode trust in the electoral system. By addressing misinformation and providing accurate election information, the Task Force aims to ensure that voters are well-informed and able to make decisions based on facts.
The press release highlights the importance of effective communication channels and intelligence sharing among government agencies. This is crucial in coordinating efforts and responding promptly to any potential threats to election integrity. By working closely with the Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Task Force can leverage their expertise and resources to safeguard election processes.
However, concerns remain regarding CISA’s history of censoring election-related speech. The agency’s previous use of combating misinformation as a pretext for censorship raises questions about their approach and potential bias. It is vital for the Task Force to operate in a transparent and accountable manner, ensuring that all actions taken are in accordance with principles of free speech and democratic values.
The documents obtained by America First Legal further highlight CISA’s knowledge of risks associated with unsupervised mail-in voting and challenges with absentee voting. While this information is crucial for assessing vulnerabilities and implementing necessary safeguards, it is essential to strike a balance between addressing these concerns and preserving individuals’ rights to express their opinions and engage in meaningful discussions about the electoral process.
In conclusion, the Pennsylvania Election Threats Task Force’s partnership with various agencies, including CISA, brings both opportunities and challenges. While the Task Force’s objective of combating misinformation and protecting the integrity of elections is commendable, concerns remain about potential censorship and the impact on free speech. It is crucial for the Task Force to operate transparently and take into account democratic principles throughout its efforts to ensure the public’s trust in the electoral system.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...