Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr has called for the dismantling of what he calls Big Tech’s “censorship cartel.” His remarks, aimed at major tech companies, come amid growing concerns over the suppression of free speech on digital platforms.
Carr addressed an open letter to executives at Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, accusing them of collaborating with fact-checking organizations like NewsGuard to enforce biased narratives. He argued these efforts are designed to silence dissent and control the flow of information. “The censorship cartel must be dismantled,” Carr wrote.
The commissioner criticized NewsGuard’s role in influencing media coverage, pointing to its partnerships with advertising agencies to demonetize outlets that deviate from mainstream narratives. He also highlighted findings from the Twitter Files, which exposed how tech platforms worked with external organizations to restrict content.
Carr cited a U.S. House Committee on Small Business report that accused NewsGuard of unfairly rating media outlets. The report alleged that NewsGuard penalized conservative sites while giving favorable ratings to foreign propaganda. Carr argued that these practices contradict the “good faith” standards required under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
To address these issues, Carr requested a full list of Big Tech’s partnerships with NewsGuard and similar organizations by December 10. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging companies to respect Americans’ constitutional rights.
Carr’s comments underscore the ongoing debate over free speech in the digital age. He warned that unchecked censorship threatens democratic principles, calling on Big Tech to end practices that restrict open dialogue.
