Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Announces Hearing on Social Media’s Role in Online Extremism

Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) announced today that the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee will hold a fully remote hearing on Thursday, September 24, at 11 a.m. (EDT) on the growing prevalence of online extremism and social media's role in its rapid spread. The hearing is entitled, "Mainstreaming Extremism: Social Media's Role in Radicalizing America."

"Extremist online content is rapidly rising, and this extremism doesn't just stay in the shadowy corners of the Internet – it often spreads hate and violence within our own communities," said Pallone and Schakowsky. "Tragically, social media companies have consistently failed to use the tools at their disposal to mitigate this problem. That their algorithms promote extremist content in the interest of growth and advertising revenue is deeply problematic, and that most of them continue to ignore the call for meaningful action is downright reckless. We look forward to hearing from our witnesses and learning what more Congress can do to battle this growing problem."

This hearing will take place remotely via Cisco Webex video conferencing. Members of the public may view the hearing via live webcast accessible on the Energy and Commerce Committee's website. Please note the webcast will not be available until the hearing begins.

Additional information for this hearing, including the Committee Memorandum, testimony and the live webcast will be posted HERE as they become available.