Social Media and Political Violence Risks

I am writing to express concern about the role of social media in amplifying extremist content and the potential connections this may have to political violence in the United States. As a constituent, I am seeking to better understand how Congress is evaluating these risks and what steps you believe are most appropriate to protect both public safety and democratic institutions. Research suggests that algorithmic recommendation systems often amplify sensational and polarizing material. While not the sole cause of radicalization, online platforms can contribute to pathways that increase exposure to extremist propaganda, deepen polarization, and in some cases play a role in organizing violence. At the same time, I recognize that any response must balance the protection of free expression and innovation. Other democracies have begun experimenting with measures such as transparency requirements, youth protections, and platform accountability rules. In the United States, discussion has focused on several potential tools, including possible reforms to Section 230, new transparency and auditing obligations, antitrust actions to reduce market concentration, and stronger safety protections for children and teens online. Given the stakes, I would appreciate your perspective on the following questions: What steps are you taking to ensure that online platforms do not amplify extremist content that could contribute to political violence? Should platforms be held accountable if their algorithms recommend content that is linked to real-world harm? How do you think legislation can best balance the need to reduce risks of violence with the protection of constitutional rights? What protections do you believe are most important for children and teens who may be exposed to extremist or harmful material online? How can U.S. policy align with international efforts while safeguarding American constitutional standards? Thank you for your attention to these questions. I look forward to learning more about how you and your colleagues are approaching these issues on behalf of our communities and our democracy.