Schiff demands social media companies censor election misinformation

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., along with seven other Democratic members of the House, demanded that eight social media companies censor election misinformation and disinformation going into the November election.

Schiff announced on Tuesday that the letter was sent to the chief executive officers of Google, Instagram, Meta, Microsoft, Snap Inc., TikTok, X, 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," the letter begins.

"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."

"Unfortunately, we have witnessed almost every major platform roll back their election policies, even in the face of blatant attacks on our democracy fomenting," the lawmakers added. "This almost universal reversion on the issue of combating election mis- and disinformation is incredibly troubling."

The lawmakers gave examples of the social media companies allowing misinformation and disinformation on their platforms, including allowing former President Donald Trump back on his accounts.

"Without proper incentives, bad actors will continue to spread false content they know to be divisive," the House Democrats explained. "Instead of properly evaluating the risk of election interference or political violence, companies have allowed this content to flourish.

"YouTube made a decision to resume videos that deny the 2020 election, undoing their prior commitment to election integrity. Meta similarly resumed allowing political ads that claim stolen elections," they continued. "And almost every major social media company reinstated Donald Trump’s account after previously banning him for violating their community standards. After witnessing the role that false or misleading content can play in our elections, we know our country cannot afford to have platforms backslide on their promises."

The lawmakers asked the social media companies a series of questions on handling election misinformation, including whether they will be changing their "election integrity policies between now and the 2024 U.S. general election?"

Democratic Reps. Julia Brownley, Calif.; André Carson, Ind.; Robert Garcia, Calif.; Dan Goldman, N.Y.; Raúl M. Grijalva, Ariz.; Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Ga.; and Doris Matsui, Calif.; signed the letter with Schiff.