Ranking Member Thompson Launches Investigation into Social Media and Tech Corporations Receiving Subpoenas from DHS on Americans’ First Amendment Activity
“Over the past year, DHS’s inappropriate use of its administrative subpoena and summons authorities has become a serious threat to the First Amendment and privacy rights of Americans”
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Security & Enforcement, and Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations & Accountability, sent letters to ten major social media companies demanding details of their receipt of – and cooperation with – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) subpoenas and summonses for individuals’ First Amendment protected activities – including criticizing or monitoring DHS’s out of control immigration enforcement activities. Unfortunately, DHS has a history of abusing its subpoena and summons authorities.
“Considering the sensitive information social media companies maintain about their users, it is imperative that social media companies protect their users’ privacy and free speech rights and do not share user information with DHS in the absence of compelling legal justification,” the Ranking Members wrote.
“DHS’s frequent withdrawals of these requests once challenged in court demonstrate that even DHS recognizes the weak legal basis for their subpoenas and summonses,” the Ranking Members added.
In the letters, the Ranking Members request from each company: the number of requests received, the number of requests that were approved and transmitted, the number of requests that were denied, and whether users were notified.
Companies sent demand letters: Amazon, Apple, Discord, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Reddit, Snap, TikTok, and X.
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