This Foundation for Freedom Online report reveals how the previous administration coordinated a “whole-of-society” approach to combatting online “disinformation,” essentially building a censorship industry. This involved a White House-led interagency working group that included numerous federal agencies, universities, and private sector entities. The goal was to mobilize various sectors to counter disfavored online information, even questioning the traditional “marketplace of ideas” concept. The report highlights the involvement of specific organizations and individuals known for their pro-censorship stances. It suggests this initiative sought to influence tech companies, support international censorship mandates, and promote “media literacy” programs that often discredit non-establishment sources. The working group, though less visible since 2022, remains operational, indicating ongoing efforts to shape online narratives.
