FCC Chairman Takes on Big Tech Over Content Moderation Practices

Person standing in front of cheering crowd.

Trump appoints FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr as chairman, signaling a potential shift in tech regulation and content moderation practices.

At a Glance

Donald Trump has appointed Brendan Carr to chair the FCC starting January 2025
Carr is known for his opposition to “regulatory lawfare” and criticism of social media content moderation
He has pledged to “dismantle the censorship cartel” and advocate for stricter oversight of tech companies
Carr has sent a letter to Big Tech CEOs urging reduced reliance on fact-checking sites like NewsGuard
The move signals potential regulatory changes and increased scrutiny of content moderation practices

Trump’s FCC Pick Signals Shift in Tech Regulation

In a move that could reshape the landscape of tech regulation, Donald Trump has appointed FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to chair the U.S. communications regulator starting January 2025. Carr, who has served at the FCC under both the Trump and Biden administrations, is known for his staunch opposition to what he terms “regulatory lawfare” and his vocal criticism of social media companies’ content moderation practices.

Trump, in announcing the appointment, described Carr as a “warrior for free speech,” aligning with his own stance on media regulation. Carr has expressed his commitment to “dismantle the censorship cartel,” indicating a potential shift in how the FCC may approach oversight of technology companies in the future.

Challenging Big Tech’s Content Moderation

In a bold move following his appointment, Carr has sent a letter to the CEOs of major tech companies, urging them to reduce their reliance on fact-checking sites like NewsGuard. The letter questions the “good faith” of moderation decisions based on potentially biased third-party information and suggests that failure to make changes could result in increased FCC regulation.

“Incoming Federal Communications Commission chief Brendan Carr has sent a very explicit letter to CEOs of so-called Big Tech companies, giving them a choice of reducing their reliance on fact-checking sites, such as NewsGuard, which seek to censor content on the internet or facing increased regulation by the FCC.” – Brendan Carr

This action by Carr highlights growing concerns about the balance between free expression and responsible oversight on online platforms. Companies like Facebook, Google, Apple, and Microsoft are implicated in what Carr refers to as a “censorship cartel,” raising questions about the neutrality and potential corruption of current content moderation practices.

Scrutiny of Fact-Checking Services

NewsGuard, a service that bills itself as the “Internet’s arbiter” of truth, has come under particular scrutiny. Critics argue that it enforces one-sided narratives and is part of a broader censorship effort. Carr’s letter seeks information on Big Tech’s collaboration with NewsGuard, which has been accused of biased ratings and censorship.

Potential Regulatory Changes

Carr’s appointment and his subsequent actions suggest that significant changes may be on the horizon for tech regulation and content moderation practices. He has indicated that the Administration and Congress may take actions to restore what he sees as First Amendment rights being infringed upon by current practices.

As the incoming FCC chairman, Carr’s stance on these issues could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry and online communication. His push for transparency rules for platforms like Google and Facebook, combined with his advocacy for expanded rural broadband access, signals a multi-faceted approach to reshaping the digital landscape.

While supporters view these potential changes as necessary steps to protect free speech, critics warn of the potential for reduced moderation of harmful content. As the debate continues, the tech industry and users alike will be watching closely to see how Carr’s leadership at the FCC will shape the future of online communication and content regulation.