Publications
Partners
- Records from YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Reddit were subpoenaed for an investigation into the Capitol riots.
- The records could explain how misinformation and extremism related to the attack were proliferated on social media.
- Some some 300 witnesses have been interviewed regarding the attack.
The congressional committee investigating the January 6, 2021 storming of the US Capitol on Thursday subpoenaed records from YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Reddit that would detail the use of social media in the attack.
The records could help explain "how the spread of misinformation and violent extremism contributed to the violent attack on our democracy," said Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Select January 6 Committee.
Thompson said the companies had not responded adequately to requests for information to help in its investigation of the violent attack a year ago on the Capitol by supporters of then-president Donald Trump.
The subpoenas were sent to YouTube parent Alphabet (Google) and Facebook parent Meta in addition to Twitter and Reddit.
"Meta has produced documents to the committee on a schedule committee staff requested – and we will continue to do so," the social network titan told AFP.
READ | A year after Capitol riot, experts warn more political extremism, violence may be on horizon in 2022
Reddit and Alphabet also said they are working with the committee to provide the requested information, while Twitter declined to comment.
The committee is probing how the attack, which shut down the US Congress, came together and whether Trump and members of his circle had any part in encouraging it.
In the Alphabet subpoena, Thompson said YouTube had hosted "significant communications" that were "relevant to the planning and execution of the January 6th attack," including, he said, of former Trump advisor Steve Bannon.
And he said Facebook had been used "to share messages of hate, violence, and incitement, to spread misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories."
Both Twitter and Reddit were used for discussing and planning the assault on the Capitol, their subpoenas said.
READ | US Capitol attack: Founder of far-right militia group Stewart Rhodes charged with conspiracy
Twitter said it had been "reportedly warned about potential violence being planned."
The January 6 Committee, which has already interviewed some 300 witnesses, has issued subpoenas for several key figures and documents.
Never miss a story. Choose from our range of newsletters to get the news you want delivered straight to your inbox.
