Trump’s Order is More Bark Than Bite

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shin Inouye, [email protected], 202.869.0398

WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on President Trump’s Executive Order on content moderation by social media companies:

“This order is more bark than actual bite. It is in response to Twitter responsibly upholding its own civic integrity policies and calling the president out on his lies and disinformation about voting and elections. Social media platforms should follow Twitter’s example to protect our democracy.

“While there is a critical need for discussion on potential regulation of social media platforms, this order is likely unlawful and not the appropriate vehicle for a debate on these important matters.

“All social media platforms should combat disinformation about voting and elections, even when it comes from the president. Fact checking is the least that should be done.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 220 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.