Republicans attack on disinformation researchers compromises their work

WASHINGTON – From filing lawsuits to threatening disinformation researchers, Republicans are bracing up for the 2024 elections. 

Republicans have put pressure on researchers through a House subcommittee investigation as well. They have long alleged that major technology platforms unfairly target conservative votes. But research has produced little empirical evidence to support these claims.

The right-wing narrative of censorship by tech platforms gained momentum when the platforms began cracking down on medical misinformation related to Covid-19.

The right-wing targeted a researcher, Nina Jankowicz, who was appointed by the Department of Homeland Security to serve on a disinformation panel. She received death threats, faced the creation of deep fake pornography, and had her personal information published online against her will.

In addition to the legal action in Louisiana, Republicans have put pressure on the researchers through an investigation by a House subcommittee.

The committee, ostensibly to investigate the “weaponization of the federal government,” has issued subpoenas and requested information from various universities that conduct disinformation research.

Institutions and officials targeted by the investigation include the Stanford Internet Observatory, the College of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public and the nonprofit Election Integrity Partnership.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has even threatened legal action against Stanford College for not providing certain internal records.

Republicans are calling the latest ruling by federal Judge Terry Doughty proof that the Biden administration wants to silence conservative voices.

The judge, appointed by former President Trump, had barred the Biden administration from negotiating with social media companies over content moderation issues.