Sessions talking to state AGs on tech's alleged threats to free speech
By NANCY SCOLA and CRISTIANO LIMA
09/05/2018 01:34 PM EDT
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has engaged state attorneys general in talks on what the DOJ said are increasing concerns that Twitter, Facebook and Google are restricting the free flow of information, as Republicans allege anti-conservative bias from the platforms.
"The Attorney General has convened a meeting with a number of state attorneys general this month to discuss a growing concern that these companies may be hurting competition and intentionally stifling the free exchange of ideas on their platforms," Justice Department spokesman Devin O'Malley said in a statement provided to POLITICO.
O'Malley said the DOJ "listened … closely" to a Senate Intelligence committee hearing today on foreign electioneering on social media. Google declined to send a witness acceptable to the committee for that hearing. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testified. Dorsey is slated to appear solo at a House and Energy Commerce hearing this afternoon focused on how his company polices content.
President Donald Trump has recently championed the idea that major technology companies, including Google, Facebook and Twitter, are biased against conservatives. Other prominent Republicans, including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale have echoed the complaint.
The companies have rejected the notion that they intentionally inject partisan bias into their platforms.
The Justice Department gave no date for the session.
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/05/jeff-sessions-tech-conservative-bias-808685