We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the White House’s reliance on X.com (formerly Twitter) as its primary source for official communications. This practice poses significant risks to the integrity, security, and accessibility of government information, and we respectfully request your immediate attention to address this issue.
Reasons for Concern:
Loss of Control:
By relying on a private platform like X.com, the White House surrenders control over its communication infrastructure. Changes to X.com’s policies, algorithms, or terms of service could distort, limit, or censor official messages, undermining the government’s ability to communicate accurately and reliably with the American public.
Data Security Risks:
Official communications often include sensitive or confidential information. Using a third-party platform increases the risk of data breaches and limits the government’s ability to secure its messaging. A government-managed platform would offer stronger protections for critical data.
Exclusion of Citizens:
Millions of Americans—particularly older adults, rural residents, and those without reliable internet access—do not use X.com. This reliance excludes significant portions of the population from accessing vital White House updates, creating an inequitable system of communication.
Misinformation Vulnerability:
Social media platforms are prone to misinformation, fake accounts, and algorithmic manipulation. Official messages on X.com could be overshadowed or distorted by false information, leading to public confusion and mistrust. A dedicated government website would serve as a direct, authoritative source of truth.
Privacy Concerns:
Citizens engaging with White House posts on X.com may expose their personal data to the platform, which could be exploited for commercial purposes. This raises serious privacy issues for Americans seeking to interact with their government.
Single Point of Failure:
Dependence on X.com creates a risky single point of failure. Technical outages or disruptions—like those seen in past social media failures—could halt White House communications during critical times, including national emergencies.
Call to Action:
We urge you, as our elected representatives in the House and Senate, to advocate for the White House to transition to an internally owned and managed website for all official communications. This shift would ensure that the government retains full control over its messaging, safeguards sensitive information, and provides equitable access to all Americans, regardless of their social media usage.
An independent, government-controlled platform is vital to preserving the transparency, security, and inclusivity that are cornerstones of our democracy.
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