The conservative Media Research Center alleges that billionaire George Soros has funneled over $80 million into groups pushing for increased censorship on major technology platforms, Fox Business reported.
The epicenter of this narrative is Free Press, a media advocacy organization benefiting from Soros' financial backing. Recently, they have amplified calls for Big Tech to tighten regulations on online communication.
In a bold move, Free Press composed a letter urging major online platforms to adopt stricter guidelines to ensure their spaces remain "safe and healthy." The letter was endorsed by 200 entities, many of whom have also received substantial funds from George Soros.
According to MRC, this initiative is not just about online safety but also a strategic maneuver to influence the forthcoming election by controlling online discourse. A sizable portion of these funds, approximately $80.76 million, has been directed toward these organizations from 2016 through 2022.
The type of speech targeted includes political misinformation and potentially deceitful election-related content and requires more transparency in how content is moderated and handled.
As per the MRC's analysis, these strategies signify a direct assault on free expression, seen as tailoring the political landscape to favor a certain narrative as Americans head to the polls. Dan Schneider, Vice President of MRC Free Speech America, states in a passionate tone:
One of the wealthiest men in the world is using his vast wealth and power to silence regular Americans ahead of the 2024 election. At a time when defending free speech is key, leftists are trying their best to shut down the voices of half of America, especially those who disagree with the radical agenda promoted by Biden, Soros and most Big Tech executives.
The influence wielded by these Soros-financed groups isn’t confined to recent years. It dates back to initiatives such as influencing net neutrality during the Obama administration, demonstrating a longstanding engagement in shaping U.S. media and tech policy.
Inciting further scrutiny, entities such as the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and Global Witness, both beneficiaries of Soros’ philanthropy, have refrained from commenting about their specific actions or the extent of funding received.
Dan Schneider expressed concern in his recent statement, suggesting the letter's intentions might be more sinister than they appear. He believes it aims to disrupt the 2024 U.S. elections under the guise of addressing 'real-world harms' and reducing 'extremism.' This, he notes, is consistent with George Soros' previous actions of supporting organizations that attempt to sway electoral outcomes by limiting online discourse.
Robert W. McChesney, co-founder of Free Press, takes a more revolutionary stance on the purpose of media. He claims that their mission encapsulates media reform and a broader struggle for democracy, social justice, and socialism.
The ongoing debate around online speech and the role of big money in politics continues to be a fierce battleground. Concerns from entities like MRC highlight a potential conflict between safeguarding democratic discourse and controlling misinformation.
The MRC associate editor Joseph Vazquez expresses a stern warning: "Americans should be wary as the Soros network gears up to potentially impact their free speech rights in this election cycle again."
The complex dialogue surrounding online influence, media control, and free speech will intensify as the U.S. political landscape heats up. Entities like the Free Press, under the spotlight for their controversial stances and significant funding, remain at the heart of this discourse, shaping how, or perhaps even what, Americans can discuss as they anticipate the 2024 election.
