Klobuchar, Gallagher Underscore Clear Partisan Differences on Regulating Big Tech on NBC

Two lawmakers apparently eager for congressional reform of Big Tech clearly have different goals, as Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) pushed to protect free speech from pro-censorship Big Tech, while Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MI) called for more censorship.

Both lawmakers appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Jan. 1 to discuss proposed regulation of Big Tech. While Gallagher called for more focus on algorithmic regulation, Klobuchar claimed that making it possible for social media to be sued for not censoring “misinformation” is a step that should be taken.

Klobuchar mocked the idea of social media being the new town square and thus speech made there being protected by the First Amendment on NBC. Regarding Section 230, the senator claimed that Big Tech companies have become communications companies. “You can amend it and focus on certain kinds of speech misinformation, disinformation. And all you’re saying is, ‘We know people are going to put stuff on your alleged town square,’ which has become really a communications company,” Klobuchar rambled.

Gallagher, on the other hand, pushed for more algorithm transparency but saw Klobuchar’s proposals as encouraging social media to increase censorship by more “proactively” removing content. They did agree on one thing. “I do think more transparency around the algorithms is necessary. And I liked what Senator Klobuchar was saying on that front,” Gallagher said.