McCain Institute’s Disinformation Gurus Push for Online Speech Regulations

By Staff Reporter |

The McCain Institute recently convened a panel of disinformation experts in Phoenix to explore strategies for managing online free speech. Among the speakers were Bret Schafer and Rachael Dean Wilson from the Alliance for Securing Democracy, linked to the German Marshall Fund.

Schafer leads Hamilton 2.0, a dashboard that monitors outputs from Russian, Chinese, and Iranian state media, while Wilson has a history as a communications advisor to the late Senator John McCain. Hamilton 2.0 builds on a prior initiative, Hamilton 68, which aggregated social media data to uncover connections between foreign adversarial narratives and American discourse, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency.

At the panel, Schafer noted that a representative from Meta had mentioned increased oversight following the tragic Christchurch shooting, where the attacker used Facebook Live to broadcast the violence. He expressed concern that artificial intelligence tools might undermine these safety measures and advocated for stricter limits on what he termed “problematic” online speech.

“The pollution in the information space can drown out competing voices, making it seem like misleading narratives are coming from countless sources,” Schafer explained. He urged social media platforms to prioritize authentic information to combat this dilution. He reflected on the controversial perception of these companies acting to manage content reach, particularly during elections, stressing the need for responsible decision-making about quality information.

Wilson echoed his sentiments, suggesting that leveraging online influencers to disseminate official information could enhance reach and engagement. She stated, “It’s crucial for influencers to reference experts, as it amplifies credible voices.”

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes joined the discussion, which highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Alliance for Securing Democracy, established in the wake of the 2016 election to bolster democratic resilience. The organization’s leadership includes notable figures from various international and governmental organizations.

In recent developments, the McCain Institute announced its acceptance to participate in the prestigious South by Southwest festival. This event is recognized for showcasing innovative and influential ideas across multiple industries.

For those interested in the full panel discussion, a recording is available through the McCain Institute’s platform.