In an event organized by Axios, titled “A conversation on battling misinformation,” White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy called on online platforms to “jump in” and fight misinformation and disinformation.
Axios said the purpose of the event was to examine the “real-world impacts of misinformation on public health and climate action.”
“…tech companies have to stop allowing specific individuals over and over again to spread disinformation,” McCarthy said. She also agreed when asked if misinformation threatens public health.
McCarthy was invited to the event to reassure people that President Joe Biden understands that “climate change presents an existential threat” and to promote the administration’s green energy initiatives.
“We have to get our act together as a country to recognize that clean energy is the solution,” McCarthy said.
This is not the first time a White House official or adviser has called for more censorship. A few months ago the Department of Homeland Security established the Disinformation Governance Board to “tackle misinformation and disinformation” that threatens national security. The board was paused due to backlash.
Last year, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the White House was flagging health misinformation for social media companies.
Many have brought up the argument that the government getting involved or encouraging social media censorship is a violation of the First Amendment.
