On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Mickey Huff and Nolan Higdon from Project Censored to dissect the recent move by Meta—led by Mark Zuckerberg—to ban Russian media outlets. The conversation was sparked by the larger context of misinformation and election interference, a topic that has been at the forefront since the 2016 U.S. elections. The decision by Meta to deplatform Russian media has raised questions about the role of big tech in managing information and the selective nature of censorship.
Mickey Huff pointed out that while the focus has primarily been on Russian disinformation, other powerful countries, including the United States, Isreal and China, also have a long history of spreading misinformation to influence global narratives. Huff questioned why Russia has been singled out, suggesting that the move may be more about corporate and government interests than about protecting the public from misinformation. He emphasized that critical media literacy is essential in these times to avoid the pitfalls of curated news that is filtered through corporate or government channels.
Nolan Higdon further elaborated on the growing influence of big tech companies like Meta, which have increasingly assumed the role of gatekeepers in the flow of information. The discussion highlighted the inherent dangers of concentrating such power in the hands of a few platforms. Higdon warned that the move to ban Russian media outlets could set a troubling precedent, where corporate entities begin to decide which information is deemed acceptable or not, often without transparency or public accountability. Both Higdon and Huff emphasized the need for diverse, independent media outlets to ensure a more balanced and factual discourse.
The conversation concluded with Davey D sharing concerns about the broader implications of big tech censorship, pointing out that the U.S. has a well-documented history of meddling in the elections of other nations. He warned against scapegoating countries like Russia while ignoring America’s own actions. Together, they underscored the importance of fostering critical media literacy and advocating for independent media, which is crucial in maintaining a democratic society free from undue influence by corporations or governments.
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