Big Tech’s Secret War on Free Speech: FCC Launches Major Investigation

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FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr launches a groundbreaking investigation into Big Tech’s alleged “censorship cartel,” demanding answers from tech giants by December 10.

At a Glance

  • FCC probes Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple for potential free speech restrictions
  • Investigation focuses on collaboration with NewsGuard and content suppression practices
  • Companies accused of demonetizing news outlets challenging mainstream narratives
  • Section 230 immunity at risk for companies found to be restricting free speech
  • House Oversight Committee joins investigation into possible First Amendment violations

FCC Commissioner Takes Aim at Big Tech’s “Censorship Cartel”

Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr has launched a major investigation into four of the biggest names in tech: Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple. The probe centers on allegations that these companies have been working with NewsGuard, a controversial “fact-checking” organization, to silence conservative voices and control online information. Carr’s investigation demands transparency about the tech giants’ ties to NewsGuard and their role in suppressing content related to politics, science, and religion.

The investigation comes amid growing concerns about Big Tech’s influence on public discourse and its alleged coordination with the Biden administration to restrict free speech. Carr has accused these companies of participating in what he calls a “censorship cartel,” working to defund and demonetize news outlets that deviate from approved narratives.

NewsGuard’s Credibility Under Scrutiny

NewsGuard, the organization at the center of this controversy, has faced criticism for its track record. Carr pointed out instances where NewsGuard rated Chinese propaganda outlets as more credible than American publications. The organization’s advisory board also includes individuals linked to the false claim about the Hunter Biden laptop story, further raising questions about its objectivity.

“Over the past few years, Americans have lived through an unprecedented surge in censorship. Your companies played significant roles in this improper conduct. Big Tech companies silenced Americans for doing nothing more than exercising their First Amendment rights.” – Brendan Carr

However, NewsGuard has strongly refuted Carr’s claims. The organization’s CEO, Gordon Crovitz, defended NewsGuard’s mission, stating it was founded as an alternative to government censorship. NewsGuard emphasized its role in providing apolitical reliability analysis rather than engaging in censorship.

Potential Consequences for Big Tech

The implications of this investigation could be far-reaching. Carr has threatened to revoke Big Tech companies’ immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act if they are found to be restricting free speech. This move could fundamentally reshape how these companies operate and moderate content on their platforms.

“Section 230 only confers benefits on Big Tech when they operate, in the words of the statute ‘in good faith,'” Carr reminded.”

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee has also joined the investigation, focusing on NewsGuard’s impact on First Amendment rights. With a December 10 deadline looming for the tech companies to respond to Carr’s inquiries, this probe could lead to major reforms in how Big Tech interfaces with free speech and content moderation.

A Turning Point for Online Free Speech

As the investigation unfolds, it marks a potential turning point in the ongoing debate about free speech online. The outcome could have significant implications for how information is shared and consumed on the internet, potentially restoring constitutional freedoms that some argue have been eroded by Big Tech’s content moderation practices.

“I am confident that once the ongoing transition is complete, the Administration and Congress will take broad ranging actions to restore the First Amendment that the constitution grants to all Americans – and those actions include a review of your companies’ activities.” Carr emphasized

With the incoming Trump administration and Republican-controlled Congress planning to scrutinize the companies’ actions, this investigation could be just the beginning of a broader effort to address concerns about online censorship and protect Americans’ right to free speech in the digital age.

Sources:

  1. FCC Commissioner Takes On 4 Big Tech Companies For ‘Censorship Cartel’
  2. Fact-Checking Group Rebuts FCC’s Carr Over ‘False Reports’
  3. Trump’s pick to head FCC plans crackdown on ‘unprecedented surge’ in censorship by Big Tech
  4. FCC commissioner announces probe into Big Tech, ‘NewsGuard’ fact-checking platform: ‘Censorship cartel’

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