Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, has leveled serious accusations against Meta, the social media conglomerate headed by Mark Zuckerberg.
Kennedy accuses Meta of allegedly suppressing a biographical documentary about Kennedy's life and political journey.
As Breitbart News reported, the film, narrated by actor Woody Harrelson, reportedly faced numerous obstacles on Meta's platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, sparking allegations of digital censorship.
Supporters of Kennedy encountered numerous barriers when attempting to share the film. Reports suggest that some users were warned that the content was either spam or malicious. This effectively restricted the documentary's reach during a critical time in Kennedy’s campaign.
Other viewers were greeted with messages incorrectly labeling the film as containing "graphic and violent content" or violating community standards. Such labels prevented the documentary from being uploaded or shared further on these platforms.
Some of Kennedy's backers also had their social media accounts temporarily suspended, further complicating the distribution efforts. These account suspensions varied, with some users locked out for as many as six days.
Meta’s spokesperson, Andy Stone, later stated that the suppression of the video was unintentional and attributed it to an error that was rectified within a few hours. Despite this, the initial blocking has stirred a broader debate on the role of social media giants in political processes.
Supporters of Kennedy and members of the American Values Super PAC, which sponsored the documentary, have expressed intentions to sue Meta. They argue that the platform's actions constitute censorship and could interfere with the electoral process.
The controversy has drawn criticism from various quarters. Tony Lyons, the founder of the American Values Super PAC, decried the power of social media companies to censor content, suggesting it skews the political landscape by silencing candidates and shielding the public from diverse viewpoints.
“If supporters of all candidates do not have equal access to the digital public square, then we have a democracy in name only," Kennedy stated, highlighting the broader implications for free speech and fair elections. He argued that such actions go beyond merely restricting freedom of expression on issues and ideas, impacting the democratic process itself.
Lyons also emphasized the danger of such censorship, asserting, “We are left with the propaganda and lies from the most powerful and most corrupt groups and individuals. This is the hallmark of an oligarchy — not a democracy."
These statements have intensified discussions about the influence of big tech companies over public discourse, especially in an election year. The situation echoes previous incidents where social media platforms have been accused of biased content moderation during politically sensitive periods.
Kennedy's Super PAC is considering a lawsuit that could influence future regulations on social media content moderation during elections, highlighting the significant control platforms like Facebook and Instagram have over voter information. As political tensions rise, the scrutiny of social media policies on free speech and electoral integrity is expected to intensify, with supporters and critics closely monitoring Meta's response.
