New Docs Reveal Biden Admin Pressured Facebook to Censor Conservative News

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In January 2021, Joe Biden’s administration took office with promises of transparency and unity. However, recently revealed meeting notes indicate a different story. It appears that the administration exerted pressure on Facebook to limit the reach of The Daily Wire, a prominent conservative news outlet, while boosting the visibility of legacy media outlets. These revelations raise serious concerns about the government’s influence over social media platforms and the potential violation of First Amendment rights. This article delves into the details of the newly released documents, shedding light on the collusion between the White House and Facebook in their attempt to control content and manipulate public opinion.

The Meeting Notes: A Disturbing Revelation

The meeting notes, which have now been made public, depict discussions between the White House Digital Director, Rob Flaherty, and Facebook executives. These conversations reveal the administration’s directives to suppress content that contradicted its Covid vaccine agenda. At one meeting in April 2021, Flaherty explicitly asked Facebook if they could alter their algorithm to prioritize content from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal over The Daily Wire and other “polarizing” entities. The objective was clear: to influence public attitudes towards Covid vaccines by promoting content from “authoritative” news sources.

The Daily Wire’s Dominance on Facebook

At the time of the April 2021 meeting and in the subsequent months, The Daily Wire was the leading publisher on Facebook, surpassing even well-established outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal in terms of clicks and reactions. This dominance clearly troubled the Biden administration, as they perceived the presence of “misinformation” on the platform as a hindrance to their vaccination campaign. They sought to address this issue by pressuring Facebook to take action against conservative voices, including The Daily Wire.

The Administration’s Concerns and Demands

During the meetings, Flaherty expressed the administration’s concerns about vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation on Facebook. He wanted to understand the factors influencing hesitancy and measure the success of interventions. Frustrated by the lack of data provided by Facebook, Flaherty urged the company to cooperate and “play ball.” These exchanges highlight the administration’s desire to control the flow of information and shape public opinion.

Rep. Jim Jordan’s Revelations

The collusion between the Biden administration and Facebook did not go unnoticed. Representative Jim Jordan, chairman of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, has been actively exposing the extent of the administration’s pressure on the social media giant to censor Americans. In his latest revelations, Rep. Jordan emphasized the administration’s specific targeting of The Daily Wire. He criticized the administration’s belief that the American people were not capable of making their own decisions and accused them of attempting to control what users saw on Facebook.

 

The Daily Wire’s Response

Ben Shapiro, Editor Emeritus of The Daily Wire, strongly condemned the Biden administration’s pressure on Facebook. He characterized it as a blatant violation of the First Amendment. Shapiro emphasized that government actions, even when executed through private corporations, still constitute government action. He mentioned The Daily Wire’s legal action against the administration’s OSHA vaccine mandate and their willingness to defend free speech rights. The publication is exploring all available remedies to combat this infringement on their freedom.

The Implications: Controlling the Narrative

This collusion between the Biden administration and Facebook raises serious concerns about the integrity of the information available to the public. By pressuring Facebook to suppress content from The Daily Wire and promote legacy media outlets, the administration attempted to control the narrative and shape public opinion. This undermines the principles of free speech and the democratic exchange of ideas.

The Importance of Free Speech

Free speech is a fundamental pillar of democracy, enabling the open exchange of diverse perspectives and ideas. When the government intervenes to control or censor content on social media platforms, it infringes upon the rights of individuals and stifles the diversity of thought that is essential for a healthy democracy. The Biden administration’s actions in pressuring Facebook to suppress The Daily Wire’s reach represent a dangerous encroachment on these principles.

Conclusion: Defending Free Speech

The collusion between the Biden administration and Facebook to control content and manipulate public opinion is deeply troubling. It highlights the need to protect and defend free speech rights in the digital age.

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