Warner's policy paper was leaked to Axios by an unidentified source; it contains 20 "suggestions" for ways the Left can crack down on Big Tech. Under the guise of "protecting" the public from themselves, Warner states that new technology like social media is dangerous because it can be used to "promote disinformation that undermines trust in our institutions, democracy, free press and markets."
Who gets to decide what is "disinformation?" The truth is that our government institutions do not need any help when it comes to undermining public trust. Evidence has shown that federal agencies like the EPA are in bed with the very industries they are tasked with regulating. There are many other issues within the federal government,but especially within administrative agencies, which are comprised of unelected officials. Speaking out about these issues could easily become "disinformation," if Left-wing tyranny is allowed to prevail.
Here are a few of Warner's proposals:
- Mandatory identity verification: The policy paper suggests that social media and other tech platforms should be forced to verify all user identities, and only allow "authentic" accounts. Warner posits that inauthentic accounts are a threat to democracy and undermine the integrity of digital markets. He further suggests that "failure to appropriately address inauthentic account activity" could be punishable as "a violation of both SEC disclosure rules and/or Section 5 of the [Federal Trade Commission] Act."
- Mandatory location verification: Warner wants to force Big Tech to verify and disclose the location of all users' accounts or posts.
- Making platforms legally liable for the actions of users, such as ""defamation, invasion of privacy, false light, and public disclosure of private facts."
- More disclosure requirements for political speech online.
This is by no means an exhaustive list; Warner would like to expand the roles and resources of government, including a task force for combating "asymmetric threats to democratic institutions" and other ideas.
Warner also proposes a "public initiative for media literacy." He suggests that there be a federally funded program, largely carried out by state and local education institutions, that would begin "educating the public at an early age" to help build "long-term resilience to foreign manipulation of our democracy."
This sounds an awful lot like an indoctrination program to promote one set of political ideals over others. What, exactly, such a program would entail is not disclosed.
As Axios notes, however, unless there is a blue wave in the midterm elections, it is unlikely Democrats will be able to turn these ideas into actual legislation. As long as Republicans maintain control of the House and the Senate, such authoritarian policies are unlikely to be adopted. Either way, the Democrat plan to usurp control of the internet, and the country, is highly concerning.
Free speech is under attack on virtually every front. Big Tech is taking on conservatives left and right, and proponents of Big Government want a piece of the pie. Why let Big Tech have all the power, when Big Government can just step in and take it?
See more coverage of stories about how libtards are infringing upon your rights at BigGovernment.news.
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