False Accusation: The Unfounded Claim That Social Media Companies Censor Conservatives
January 2021
Do Facebook and Twitter suppress the political right?
The claim that social media companies censor conservatives has shaped debate about issues ranging from the fallout from the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot to reform of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects platforms against liability for user posts and content moderation decisions. But the censorship claim is false, as our report demonstrates by analyzing available data and individual examples.
The aftermath of mob violence in Washington, D.C.
Conservatives have attacked Twitter’s decision, in the wake of the Capitol insurrection, to ban Donald Trump permanently. But Twitter did not act based on ideology. The former president repeatedly violated the platform’s rules and contributed to a real danger of further violence. By closely analyzing such episodes, the report clarifies the industry’s actual conduct and clears the way for needed reform.
Technology & DemocracyRelated
See all
Submission to the ANPD’s Call for Contributions on the Draft Guidance Document for the Digital ECA
The Working Group on Gaming and Regulation at NYU Stern submitted comments to Brazil's ANPD on its draft guidance for the Digital ECA, focusing on the scope of regulated providers and the "likely access" criterion for children and adolescents.
Trust, Play, and Platforms: Sharing Lessons for Safer Digital Spaces
Drawing on expert reflections from a September 2025 symposium, this paper examines how Trust & Safety governance in online gaming compares to social media and what the games industry's unique experience with community-driven moderation can teach policymakers and advocates working across all digital spaces.
Submission to the French Council on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs
The Working Group on Gaming and Regulation filed a submission with the French Council on AI and Digital Affairs, responding to a mission assessing the potential risks of video games for minors.