(Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, a group of Democratic lawmakers from the affected states is calling for a congressional investigation on the role of social media platforms in the spread of misinformation following the storms.
The letter, addressed to the chairs and ranking members of the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Energy & Commerce Committees, urges the committees to investigate and hold hearings into the “dangerous trends” that have hindered efforts by authorities to help disaster victims.
The lawmakers highlighted details of a troubling surge in misleading information circulating on platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and Discord which has complicated recovery efforts and exploited disaster victims in North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.
“The severity of this issue is difficult to overstate,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have observed numerous false claims about the storm’s origin, government assistance, and the availability of disaster relief funds spreading across platforms. In the days following Hurricane Helene, we have seen posts encouraging people to apply for fake Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) relief programs, scams targeting those who have lost their homes, and misleading information about where to find shelter and resources.”
Lawmakers expressed concern about the spread of conspiracy theories that have escalated into death threats, harassment and calls for violence against government officials and aid workers.
“Misinformation not only delays the recovery process but also erodes public trust in institutions that are essential to helping our states to rebuild,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is critical that the American people know where to turn for reliable information during these emergencies, and social media platforms play a significant role in shaping those sources of information.”
FEMA Director Deanne Criswell called the level of misinformation: “the worst [she’s] ever seen.”
Former President Donald Trump himself has spread falsehoods during the week that followed the storm.
In North Carolina, where misinformation has seriously impeded Hurricane Helene disaster relief, three members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation last week delivered a letter to U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines expressing similar concerns and requesting a briefing about the possibility that foreign actors have been involved in the spread of disinformation surrounding Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
That letter was authored by U.S. Representatives Deborah Ross (D-NC2), Kathy Manning (D-NC6) and Wiley Nickel (D-NC13). “Specifically, we are concerned about potential involvement in propagating or amplifying this disinformation from foreign governments or malign influences, with the intent of undermining public trust in our institutions and hampering emergency response efforts. Given the significant impact that such disinformation can have on public safety, morale, and the overall effectiveness of recovery initiatives, it is critical to address these threats in a timely and transparent manner.”
In today’s letter, co-authored by U.S Reps. Deborah Ross (NC-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Kathy Manning (NC-06), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), and Wiley Nickel (NC-13), the lawmakers are urging the committees to investigate:
The failure of social media companies to adequately address misinformation;
The role of algorithms in amplifying misinformation and scams;
The impact of misinformation on public trust and disaster recovery; and
Failures to protect against scams and frauds.