A recently uncovered tranche of documents sheds light on the Biden administration’s pursuit of guidance from British officials regarding social media censorship and disinformation. The documents reveal a meeting held between the National Security Council (NSC) and the UK government’s Counter Disinformation Unit on August 21, 2021. The Counter Disinformation Unit, a part of the British Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, was tasked with providing insights into combating online misinformation, particularly concerning COVID-19 and elections. The NSC meeting included officials from various US government agencies, including the Defense Department, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the FBI, highlighting the significance attached to this collaboration.
This revelation has sparked a heated debate, with concerns about the potential for the Biden administration to engage in censorship efforts. The documents, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, have prompted Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., chair of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, to investigate the matter further. She has written to President Biden and Vice President Harris requesting information on any suppression campaigns the administration might be involved in concerning political speech.
Mace has also introduced the ‘No Funds for Fascists Act,’ legislation designed to prevent US taxpayer funds from aiding foreign governments that restrict free speech. This proposal seeks to curb financial support to governments that coerce social media platforms and news outlets into blocking specific content.
The British Counter Disinformation Unit’s presentation at the NSC meeting went beyond addressing misinformation related to COVID-19, delving into strategies for combating disinformation during elections. The unit’s slides highlighted their operational response to counter disinformation during the 2019 European elections, the 2019 UK general election, and local elections in the UK. This approach involves coordinating with various entities, including the central election cell, social media companies, and strategic communication teams.
The documents obtained through the America First Legal lawsuit with the CDC highlight the extensive collaboration between US and UK officials on tackling online misinformation. The British slides also contained suggestions for the US government to establish a similar cross-departmental unit, like the Counter Disinformation Unit, to lead a government-wide effort to combat disinformation. These suggestions included introducing legislation to regulate misinformation and disinformation policies of tech companies, including fines and penalties, similar to Britain’s Online Safety Act.
However, critics have voiced concerns about the potential for such measures to infringe upon free speech rights. Michael Ding, counsel to America First Legal, argues that while the stated purpose of the Online Safety Act is to protect online safety, it could serve as a tool for censorship. He emphasizes the importance of considering the First Amendment implications of extradition policy with Britain in cases where Britain seeks to arrest individuals for violating speech laws.
The revelation of this US-UK collaboration on combating online misinformation has ignited a debate regarding the delicate balance between free speech and efforts to combat disinformation. As the US government continues to grapple with the challenge of online misinformation, it is crucial to ensure that any measures taken do not undermine fundamental constitutional rights.
