10/31/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 12:32
The report includes details from nearly 20 previously un-released internal Meta studies.
Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today released the findings from the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) investigation into whether Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) was sufficiently transparent with consumers about its efforts to combat misinformation on its platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report includes details from nearly 20 previously un-released internal Meta studies revealing how Meta not only failed to effectively combat the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines but did not disclose vital information about the scope or effectiveness of its anti-misinformation policies or the accuracy of the content available on its platforms.
Specifically, OAG found that Meta:
The report concludes with tips for consumers on how to engage with social media, including:
The full report is available here.
New Legal Precedent Regarding Access to Public Social Media Content to Protect the Public
Both the District of Columbia Superior Court and Court of Appeals rejected Meta's claims that the federal Stored Communications Act (SCA) prevented the company from complying with OAG's subpoena requests for information regarding Meta's enforcement against public posts containing false or misleading COVID-19 vaccine content. Previously, no U.S. court had ruled on whether social media companies could use the SCA to avoid government subpoenas relating to public posts on their platforms. This unprecedented ruling will restrict companies from using the SCA to prevent enforcement agencies from gathering information in future investigations and enforcement actions involving public social media content, including in the event that platforms make misrepresentations regarding enforcement of content moderation policies.
Resources for District Residents
To report unfair business practices, scams, or fraud, you can contact OAG by:
Visit OAG's website to learn more about the office's work to protect DC consumers.