Civil Rights Leaders And Celebrities Launch Petition To Maintain Large Tech Accountable For Extremist Racist Rhetoric And Hate Merchandise

WASHINGTON, February 9, 2021 / PRNewswire / – American Family Voices today, along with a coalition that includes Change the Ref, Fund for Reparations Now, and the National African American Reparations Commission, launched a petition calling for big tech to take steps to address the issue Fighting flood of extremist rhetoric hate goods on their platforms. It also calls on Congress and the Biden administration to create and enforce laws that protect Americans and our democracy, and to hold those companies accountable for neglecting their responsibilities. This call is supported by well-known activists and celebrities, including Rosario Dawson, Mark Ruffalo, Chelsea Handler, Alyssa Milano, Patricia Oliver, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Don Rojas, Ben Jealous, People For the American Way and the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) arrive just weeks after a violent mob – whipped up by conspiracy theories and hate speech on big tech platforms – attempted to seize the U.S. Capitol take over the construction and overthrow of a democratic election.

“The big tech companies like Amazon, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter that enable and benefit from the spread of disinformation are responsible for the tragic events of 6th Januaryand they continue their tacit support of hatred and lies by inaction while claiming to be part of the solution, “he said Lauren Windsor, Executive Director at American Family Voices. “These companies have shown that they care more about their profits than the common good. Our leaders need to create meaningful regulations and vigorously enforce them to protect our nation, our democracy and our vulnerable citizens.”

The coalition pointed to several examples of how big tech has facilitated the spread of racist and violent content. The US Capitol has been attacked by white supremacists who have been empowered and encouraged by lying on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Many leading the violent attack that killed five people wore Proud Boys robes that were sold on Amazon. That summer, at the height of racial justice demonstrations, Amazon sold hats with the slogan “Black Lives Don’t Matter” and glorified mass shooters.

While the majority of Americans oppose these dangerous ideas, big tech companies have made profits at the expense of common sense standards of humanity and decency. Unless Congress regulates this, Big Tech will have no incentive to stop spreading disinformation, selling dangerous products, or facilitating communication between violent extremists.

“We readily accept that television advertising needs to be regulated – it’s time for big tech to be regulated,” said Ben Jealous, president of People For the American Way. “Facebook, Twitter and Amazon shouldn’t be allowed to enrich themselves at the expense of our democracy, let alone people’s lives.”

The petition can be viewed and signed here.

SOURCE American family voices