Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Censorship
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's views on censorship focus heavily on addressing online disinformation and misinformation, particularly concerning large social media platforms like Facebook. She has publicly pushed for platforms to take down lies and has supported discussions about creating a commission to "rein in our media environment" following events like the January 6 Capitol attack. Conversely, her own use of blocking on her personal Twitter account, @AOC, led to federal lawsuits alleging First Amendment violations, to which she eventually issued an apology and settled one case in 2019. This suggests a nuanced position where she seeks to combat harmful falsehoods, but is also subject to established legal interpretations regarding public officials' moderation of their own online speech.
Context
The issue of censorship is highly relevant to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez because her political rise was largely fueled by her sophisticated use of social media, particularly Twitter. Her high visibility means her online interactions are closely scrutinized, leading to legal challenges regarding the First Amendment rights of users she interacts with or blocks.
Actions Taken
- Hearing TestimonyDemanded that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg "take down lies" during a House Financial Services Committee hearing, implicitly supporting content moderation for political speech.
- Policy DiscussionMentioned that several members of Congress discussed forming a commission to help "rein in our media environment so you can't just spew disinformation and misinformation" following the Capitol breach.
- Legal SettlementSettled a federal lawsuit brought by user Dov Hikind for blocking him on Twitter, in which Ocasio-Cortez stated, "In retrospect, it was wrong and improper and does not reflect the values I cherish. I sincerely apologize for blocking Mr. Hikind."
- Public StatementStated that journalists on stations like Fox News should face federal scrutiny for "incitement to violence," referencing federal law regarding broadcast television content.
Key Quotes
You won't take down lies or you will take down lies, it's just a pretty simple yes or no?
I personally gave up **Facebook**, which was kind of a big deal because I started my campaign on **Facebook**. And **Facebook** was my primary digital organizing tool for a very long time. I gave up on it. Social media poses a **public health risk** to everybody.
Mr. Hikind has a First Amendment right to express his views and should not be blocked for them. In retrospect, it was wrong and improper and does not reflect the values I cherish. I sincerely apologize for blocking Mr. Hikind.
When you look at what **Tucker Carlson** and some of these other folks on **Fox News** do, it is very, very clearly **incitement of violence**. That is the line that I think we have to be willing to contend with.
Criticism
Accused Ocasio-Cortez of fully embracing the demand by US intelligence agencies for technology monopolies to censor political speech on the internet, calling her the mouthpiece for those trying to destroy the First Amendment.
Argued that Ocasio-Cortez blocking users on Twitter was a form of deterring debate and expression, as her account acts as a public forum, unless the speech constitutes threats or harassment.
Slams AOC's suggestion of a commission to help "rein in" the press after the Capitol riot as "wholly un-American".
Sources5
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backs internet censorship
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.