Facebook Must Not Block Research into Disinformation

MacArthur is joining other funders who collectively invest in the health of a vibrant internet that serves the public interest to reverse its decision to abruptly shut down the accounts of a group of New York University researchers tracking how misinformation spreads on the social media company’s platform.

In an open letter to Facebook, Foundation presidents representing membership of the NetGain Partnership say the company’s latest actions undermine the independent, public-interest research and journalism that provides platform and algorithmic transparency necessary to make evidence-based policy vital to a healthy democracy. Our foundations share a vision for an open, secure, and equitable internet space where free expression, economic opportunity, knowledge exchange, and civic engagement can thrive. This attempt to impede the efforts of independent researchers is a call for us all to protect that vision, for the good of our communities, and the good of our democracy.