house resolution no.360

Reps. Kuppa, Hood, Neeley, Rabhi, LaGrand and Brenda Carter offered the following resolution:

A resolution to urge Congress to pass legislation to counter the threat of online disinformation.

Whereas, Online platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and many others have become part of our everyday lives. While the benefits of social connection are many, we cannot ignore the harm done to our society, climate, and health as a result of disinformation spread across online platforms; and

Whereas, Disinformation, which is intentionally false information spread with the purpose of deceit, causes individuals to make decisions outside of their best interests. Certain groups, such as seniors, children, and adolescents, may be more vulnerable to disinformation. As such, we must challenge those who allow the spread of false and manipulative messaging; and

Whereas, We have seen firsthand how the spread of disinformation has caused negative consequences in the real world. The rejection of scientific evidence related to the COVID-19 pandemic led to low vaccination rates. Further, individuals have denied the consequences of climate change, while our globe continues to face extreme climate events. In many cases, disinformation has escalated to violence and death threats. Many of the messages that caused these outcomes were spread across online platforms with little oversight; and

Whereas, Conspiracies rooted in disinformation have misled individuals into questioning the integrity of our elections. Numerous audits following the most recent presidential election concluded there was no factual basis for claims of election fraud. Yet, election disinformation persists, demonstrating that widespread disinformation has eroded our society   s ability to critically think and assess the validity of a source or statement, and demonstrating the creators of disinformation currently face no consequences for their actions; and

Whereas, Election disinformation is even more dangerous when perpetuated by elected officials who create fake crises to support their unnecessary and harmful policies, or to gain support for their election campaigns. Or worse, using such false information on social media platforms to incite violence. Such actions spurred an attempted coup after our free and fair election at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, creating a serious threat to the foundation of our democracy; and  

Whereas, As our society continues to progress and modernize, so must our elections. In order to make elections more inclusive and accessible for voters, we must prevent the spread of disinformation. Penalizing those spreading disinformation, and removing disinformation from public view, will ensure individuals will not fall victim to unsupported claims and will improve trust in elections and in government; and

Whereas, Disinformation also erodes the ability to develop an accurate understanding of our country   s history. Those who spread disinformation wish to erase the past crimes and mistakes of the United States    past, thus attempting to erase groups who have been historically and systemically oppressed. Without an understanding of our past, we will never find future successes; and

Whereas, Twitter, Facebook, and other online platforms create and enforce their own policies regarding disinformation. Allowing these platforms to do such with minimal or no external oversight leads to inconsistent enforcement of community standards, a lack of transparency, and the continued spread of disinformation; and

Whereas, The Digital Services and Oversight Safety Act would require transparency from online platforms, ensure researchers are able to access the data they need to study the impact of these platforms, and offer and improve whistleblower protections for employees. Doing such would allow us to hold online platforms accountable for their actions and prevent further harm done by the spreading of disinformation; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge Congress to pass legislation to counter the threat of online disinformation; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and members of the Michigan congressional delegation.