In the wake of the “Twitter Files” and the “Facebook Files,” another example of the federal government allegedly pressuring companies into modifying their content has emerged. Amazon files released by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, on X suggest the White House pressured Amazon to restrict certain books and COVID-related items due to misinformation concerns.
“Who can we talk to about the high levels of propaganda and misinformation and disinformation,” a White House employee emailed Amazon.
The same White House employee sent another email after searching “vaccine” under the book category of Amazon, calling the results “concerning.” In a follow-up email, a different White House employee raised concerns about books without CDC warning labels attached
On March 9, 2021, Amazon met with the White House over COVID content on its website because the company was “feeling pressure.” In the meeting, they were said to have discussed “steps Amazon might want to take to reduce visibility” of anti-vax book titles.
The same White House staffer from the Facebook Files, Andy Slavitt, was the one sending emails to Amazon asking how COVID misinformation is being screened on their platforms.
The White House told Fox News it had a responsibility to encourage companies to do their part in preventing the spread of misinformation
“When confronted with a deadly pandemic, this Administration encouraged responsible actions to protect public health and safety,” the White House said. “But our position has been clear and consistent: Although we believe tech companies and other private actors should take account of the effects their actions are having on the American people, they make independent choices about the information they promote.”
Amazon has yet to give a media statement.
“Amazon caved to the pressure from the Biden White House to censor speech,” Jordan said in his post. “The House Judiciary and Weaponization Committees are investigating. To be continued…”
In 2023, a U.S. district court agreed with Jordan’s sentiment, ruling that the administration “coerced companies including Twitter and Facebook to censor content over concerns it would lead to vaccine hesitancy.”
In March, the Supreme Court will weigh whether COVID misinformation is protected free speech under the First Amendment.
