Tech Observers Warn GOP Against Siding With InfoWars Conspiracy Theorist

Widespread removal of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones from social media was a flash point for companies feeling pressure to police platforms judiciously, but it could fuel arguments that Silicon Valley is biased against conservatives (see 1807170043), said industry observers, warning the GOP against siding with extremists.

Apple was the first to remove Jones’ far-right InfoWars content, saying the company doesn’t “tolerate hate speech” and must ensure a safe environment. Jones is linked to conspiracy theories arguing that the federal government helped orchestrate 9/11 and that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.

The day after Apple’s takedown of InfoWars podcasts, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify and LinkedIn removed Jones. A YouTube spokesperson cited repeated violations against hate speech and harassment policies, and Facebook accused Jones of “glorifying violence” and “using dehumanizing language to describe people who are transgender, Muslims and immigrants.” Facebook Vice President-Policy Richard Allan expanded on the platform’s decision Thursday, saying “Facebook is not a government but it is a platform for voices around the world.”

InfoWars content remains on Amazon and Twitter, and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey explained Tuesday he understands the decision not to suspend Jones is “hard for many but the reason is simple: he hasn’t violated our rules.” He admitted Twitter has been “terrible” at explaining such decisions in the past, but the platform is not going to take “one-off” actions to satisfy short-term demands. It’s the job of journalists to refute or validate content from persons like Jones, he said.

Jones demanded an opportunity to testify before Congress to defend “my right” to free speech. He tweeted: “You may not like me, you may despise my politics, but I am the canary in the coal mine. They want to set a horrendous precedent which will strangle free speech online, FOREVER.”

TechFreedom President Berin Szoka told us Capitol Hill should stop hosting hearings that are only political theater and lawmakers instead should direct independent research on content moderation. Szoka said if he were a platform owner, he would remove Jones, but he credited Twitter and Amazon for not blindly following the herd. He also warned Republican lawmakers and candidates against citing the Jones takedowns as evidence of Silicon Valley bias. Much of the content found on major TV news networks is arguably partisan, and the GOP should “think very hard” before using Jones to expand the conversation about platforms, he said. Even if there is bias, these are private companies, and their content moderation decisions aren't the government’s business, Szoka said.

Committee for Justice Director-Public Policy Ashley Baker said platforms are free to censor whatever content they choose, but they should be careful about getting involved too frequently. There shouldn’t be a common practice of banning people on social media, she said, arguing it’s contrary to the First Amendment. The market helps determine what’s acceptable, and Jones fell outside the lines, she said, saying free speech isn't free of consequence. She said conservative groups are “less politically correct” and at more risk of removal than liberal groups, but conservatives shouldn't side with an extremist like Jones. Reps. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif, have been outspoken about alleged conservative bias.

R Street Institute Technology Policy Manager Tom Struble said he suspects the Jones takedowns will feed into the GOP’s bias narrative. He also suggested this widespread banning will strengthen support from Jones' fan base, though it could make it harder for him to cultivate new followers. NetChoice Vice President Carl Szabo noted Jones’ app was a top download last week. Ironically, the terms of service on Jones' own website allow him the same content removal he complains about, he emailed, citing Jones’ policy: “If you violate these rules, your posts and/or user name will be deleted. Remember: you are a guest here. It is not censorship if you violate the rules and your post is deleted.”

Microsoft also joined the hate speech purge last week. Andrew Torba, CEO of Gab, a social media alternative to Twitter associated with the alt-right and white supremacy, said Microsoft Azure threatened to remove Gab from the platform if it didn’t address two allegedly anti-Semitic posts. A Microsoft spokesperson said the company received complaints about posts advocating for "ritual death by torture" and the "complete eradication" of all Jews. Microsoft concluded the content "incites violence, is not protected by the First Amendment and violates Microsoft Azure’s acceptable use policy," the spokesperson said.