FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr Demands Transparency on Social Media Censorship

Federal Communications Commision (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr sent a detailed letter to major social media and technology companies, including Facebook, Google, Apple, and Microsoft, on Thursday, November 14th, requesting information about their partnerships with NewsGuard and other “fact-checking” organizations. Carr’s letter raises concerns about potential censorship practices that may conflict with First Amendment protections.

Carr criticized NewsGuard, a self-described misinformation watchdog, for its alleged bias and inconsistent application of its rating system. He highlighted reports that NewsGuard rated propaganda from the Chinese Communist Party as more credible than some American publications. Additionally, he noted that NewsGuard penalized platforms that reported on the COVID-19 lab leak theory, an issue now widely accepted as plausible. Carr’s letter emphasized these actions undermine claims of apolitical operations.

The letter also pointed to NewsGuard’s involvement with tech giants. Carr asserted that NewsGuard integrates with web browsers, such as Google’s Chrome and Apple’s Safari, and partners with social media platforms. He questioned whether reliance on NewsGuard’s services aligns with the “good faith” provision outlined in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects platforms from liability if they act responsibly.

To address these concerns, Carr requested detailed disclosures from the companies, including lists of their products or services that use or rely on NewsGuard’s systems. He also demanded information on third-party advertising partnerships and the role of fact-checking agencies in their operations. The request underscores Carr’s commitment to fostering a diversity of viewpoints as envisioned by the First Amendment.

Carr cited ongoing investigations by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability into NewsGuard’s practices and affiliations. He also referenced NewsGuard’s advisory board members who supported the controversial 2020 letter dismissing the Hunter Biden laptop story as Russian disinformation, which Carr argued fueled censorship efforts.

The letter reflects growing scrutiny of social media companies’ roles in moderating content. Carr’s push for transparency aims to ensure accountability and to safeguard free speech in digital spaces. Companies have until December 10, 2024, to respond to his inquiries, a deadline Carr insists is crucial for informing FCC actions.