The president is reportedly considering a new panel that would review complaints of censorship and bias towards conservatives by big tech companies. One of the options being considered is a formal White House commission that would review allegations of political bias. The president has long complained about conservative views being censored on social media.
The Wall Street Journal reports the plans are currently under consideration, with options on the table that include federal regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Election Commission and the Federal Communications Commission, reviewing complaints of political bias and the creation of a new White House commission that would examine such complaints against big tech.
"Left-wing bias in the tech world is a concern that definitely needs to be addressed from our vantage point, and at least exposed [so] that Americans have clear eyes about what we’re dealing with,” a White House official told The Journal.
The president has railed against anti-conservative bias on Twitter throughout his time in office. Earlier this month, the president tweeted that his administration was "working to remedy this illegal situation."
The Radical Left is in total command & control of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google. The Administration is working to remedy this illegal situation. Stay tuned, and send names & events. Thank you Michelle! https://t.co/ZQfcfD3Hk9
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2020
In July 2019, the president hosted a Social Media Summit at the White House, inviting many of the conservative voices that have experienced censorship on social media platforms. In May 2019, the White House unveiled a tool for Americans to report instances of bias directly to the president.
Conservatives have long accused social media giants of disproportionately shadow banning and deplatforming conservative voices. Trump's renewed focus on social media bias comes as the Justice Department is reportedly preparing an antitrust suit against Google.