A recent report alleges Facebook manipulated the Hunter Biden laptop story during the 2020 elections to gain favor with what was anticipated to be the forthcoming Biden administration.
Breitbart reported that in October 2020, as Americans prepared to vote, The New York Post reported on a laptop belonging to Hunter Biden, which contained emails suggesting possible misconduct with foreign entities. This story, however, was quickly suppressed on Facebook, raising concerns about the tech giant’s influence on the election's integrity.
Before the story broke, Facebook and other tech companies were briefed by the FBI. The agency warned that the materials on Hunter Biden’s laptop might be part of a Russian misinformation campaign. Following this warning, internal discussions at Facebook centered on how their handling of the story would be perceived by a potential Biden administration.
Facebook’s then-Vice President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, expressed concern about the impact their decision could have. He stated, "Obviously, our calls on this could color the way an incoming Biden administration views us more than almost anything else."
This internal dialogue showcases the balancing act Facebook attempted between navigating misinformation and maintaining governmental relations.
The approach to suppress the story was supported by labeling the New York Post’s publication as "hack and leak" content. A Facebook employee, referencing the timing of the article’s release, commented, "Right on schedule."
It was implied that Facebook expected such revelations and had planned the response accordingly. Another employee hinted at the long-standing coordination with the U.S. government, suggesting that when Facebook might have to testify about influencing elections, they could assert that consultations had been ongoing for years.
Despite Facebook’s suppression, the laptop was verified by the New York Post, which had diligently reviewed the content for nearly a month before publication.
The suppression of this story drew criticism, especially as federal prosecutors later utilized these files in court cases. Other news outlets eventually corroborated the authenticity of the contents, confirming that the laptop did belong to Hunter Biden and the emails were legitimate.
The implications of Facebook’s actions were significant. The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Weaponization of Government accused both the FBI and Big Tech companies like Facebook of collaborating to influence the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in favor of Joe Biden.
They criticized the FBI for failing to clarify that the information from the Post’s report was based on credible, verified sources, which the FBI had access to since December 2019 when they first received the laptop from computer repairman John Paul Mac Isaac.
The congressional report has fueled ongoing debates about the role of Big Tech in politics and the protection of free speech.
Accusations from Congressional Republicans highlight a perceived partisanship that could undermine the public’s trust in both the electoral process and the digital platforms that have become integral to the dissemination of information.
In conclusion, the House Judiciary Committee’s report outlines a scenario where Facebook, prompted by FBI warnings, may have manipulated the visibility of a critical news story during an election season.
This incident raises profound questions about the balance between preventing misinformation and safeguarding the foundational democratic principle of free speech.
It underscores the complex relationship between government entities and Big Tech, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in actions that can influence public opinion and electoral outcomes.