Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is pressing the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) to reveal its funding and partnerships. In a letter obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation, Schmitt criticized GDI’s role in blacklisting conservative news websites, calling it a misuse of taxpayer money.
GDI, based in the UK, identifies sites it considers to be spreading “disinformation” and shares these lists with ad firms to cut off their revenue. Despite claiming neutrality, GDI frequently rates conservative outlets as high risk while rating liberal ones as safer.
Schmitt’s letter raises concerns about GDI’s funding from the State Department’s Global Engagement Center. He requested details on GDI’s disinformation identification methods, partnerships, and funding. Schmitt has been vocal about what he sees as the Biden administration’s censorship of conservative views using taxpayer funds.
“The Global Disinformation Index has masqueraded as a source of truth and accountability for far too long, all while trampling freedom of the press and demonetizing conservative news outlets using taxpayer dollars,” Schmitt told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “This is yet another example of the Biden Administration using taxpayer dollars to censor information and sources they don’t agree with.”
GDI’s ratings have financially hurt targeted media outlets. For instance, NPR and The New York Times receive “minimum” risk ratings, while The Federalist and Newsmax are labeled “maximum” risk. These ratings, sold to online ad companies, result in reduced ad revenue for high-risk sites.
Schmitt has asked GDI to explain its disinformation determination methods and ensure neutrality. He also wants details about those creating the exclusion lists and the criteria for a site’s risk rating. Additionally, Schmitt seeks information on GDI’s research partners and funding sources, including government contributions.
The senator’s letter criticizes GDI’s risk assessment as a “government-funded, Orwellian truth test” led by a censorship team. He contends that GDI’s ratings are biased against conservative outlets, pressuring ad companies to limit advertising on these platforms.
Schmitt, as Missouri Attorney General, filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration for allegedly influencing social media companies to remove conservative content and information about COVID-19 vaccines. The Supreme Court is currently considering the case.
Schmitt emphasized the need for transparency and free speech in his letter. “Frankly put, no single organization or person should have the ability to act as the arbiter of truth,” he wrote.
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