28 SEP 2021

House Science Committee Hearing on Disinformation Highlights the Spread of Anti-Immigrant and Hate Speech

Washington, DC — Today, the House Science, Space and Technology Committee (Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight) held a hearing on the disinformation “black box” of social media and the lack of access to data for independent researchers, nonprofit organizations, and the public. Laura Edelson, Co-Director of Cybersecurity for Democracy and founder of the New York University Ad Observatory project, testified that Facebook intentionally targeted her team, revoking access to data that would shed light on the massive volume of dis- and misinformation tactics deployed through social media platforms, which make it difficult for civil society organizations to identify and monitor ads and online content that spread false narratives against vulnerable groups, such as migrants, immigrant communities, and people of color.

In her testimony, Edelson shared that action must be taken to allow for universal ad transparency and legal protections for independent researchers and journalists, and to require platforms to provide public access to data.  Joined by Dr. Alan Mislove of Northeastern University and Dr. Kevin Leicht of the University of Illinois, all three researchers testified that social media platforms have been hesitant to release any data, jeopardizing critical independent research on harmful practices that directly impact users. 

Beatriz Lopez, Chief Political and Communications Officer of the Immigration Hub, stated, “The work of independent researchers like Ms. Edelson’s team at NYU’s Cybersecurity for Democracy is critical to countering mis-and-disinformation efforts targeting voters, immigrant communities, and migrants and refugees seeking safety and opportunity in America. There is no denying that misinformation and predatory ad practices are prevalent on social media, corroding our digital political landscape, influencing elections through fear and lies, and preying on individual users. Since the 2016 election, misinformation on social media has become a leading political weapon as we note in our latest tracking report, enabling the Republican Party and right-wing and extremist entities to promote racist rhetoric and hyperboles about immigrants and people of color. Additionally, other illicit activities by human smugglers luring migrants and refugees to take on dangerous journeys to the United States goes unchecked. None of these practices should be normalized.”

###

The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.