>>90238
particular people, particular records, or particular criminal acts may be examined. Fishing expeditions
into the closely-held thoughts and beliefs of the American people rest beyond Congress’s prying eyes.
The controversies surrounding the 2020 election, well settled within the Beltway, are hardly settled for
many Americans. Roughly one-third of Americans—almost 110 million people—believe that
President Biden’s 2020 victory was the result of widespread voter fraud.16 The First Amendment
encourages citizens to debate and talk about issues of self-government—without fear of the
government collecting and pouring over their communications. As Congress continues in this
direction, some citizens will fear to espouse, and some will fear to read, messages that those in power
dislike. The million-fold eyes of Argus Panoptes become a reality by congressional fiat.17 The resulting
shadow the government will cast over online discussion that does not conform to the dominant party’s
narrative should frighten every American.
2. Past Compliance with the Committee on Homeland Security
Mr. Watkins, as a representative of 8kun (formerly 8chan) freely appeared before the House
Committee on Homeland Security in September 2019 to address that committee’s concerns over the
proliferation of online extremist content. In doing so, 8kun produced relevant documents and Mr.
Watkins answered relevant inquiries about the site’s operations. We attach the submitted
“Congressional Primer on 8chan” for your reference as ADDENDUM A. Notably, 8kun included
more than fifty pages of voluntary interactions with law enforcement about particular criminal
investigations. Where requests are focused and particular and do not run afoul of constitutional norms,
8kun is enthusiastic to aid Congress and law enforcement in their operations. We hope we may be
equally helpful here.
3. Clarification of Existing Requests
It is Mr. Watkins’s desire that we continue 8kun’s practice of responding to lawfully issued requests
and to provide as much respectful cooperation with your committee’s investigation as the First
Amendment allows. However, the requests contained in your form letter dated August 26, 2021 are
an unworkable starting point for cooperation. For example, item 1 requests production of “All . . .
data . . . regarding your platform . . . .” Even if this sentence is read in conjunction with the items
described in items “i.” through “iv.,” this request is so broad as to render compliance impossible.
Other form requests, such as requests for “internal or external reviews and reports” regarding 8kun’s
“algorithms” seem misdirected. 8kun is a small organization and a relatively simple website. There are
no “internal or external reviews” nor are there website “algorithms.” This is but an entrée of errors—
the requests, as written, need substantial clarification and focus for 8kun to attempt cooperation.
Please contact Mr. McDonald at your convenience to discuss your requests and determine if there is
any specific information that the Committee is constitutionally empowered to seek and that Mr.
Watkins is capable of producing. Alternatively, 8kun may be accessed through the internet at
16 Max Greenwood, One-third of Americans believe Biden won because of voter fraud: poll, THE HILL, June 21,
2021, available at https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/559402-one-third-of-americans-believe-
biden-won-because-of-voter-fraud-poll 17 Argus Panoptes is a subject of Greek mythology and is a many-eyed giant who kept subjects of his
observation under close scrutiny. Mike Greenberg, Argus: Hera’s Hundred-Eyed Guard, MYTHOLOGY
SOURCE, available at: https://mythologysource.com/argus-greek-giant/
page 4