Official Stanford University website or press releases

Stanford Internet Observatory to Shut Down After 'Twitter Files' Revelation

Jun 13, 2024, 11:40 PM

The Stanford Internet Observatory (SIO) is shutting down after five years of pioneering research into the abuse of social platforms. The decision comes after the 'Twitter Files' revealed that SIO actively collaborated with Twitter to suppress information they knew was factually true. The Observatory, reported by Casey Newton and Zoe Schiffer, has been notable for its significant contributions, including research on AI CSAM and exposing LAION containing CSAM material. Despite its closure, Stanford may retain SIO's branding, but the Observatory will not conduct research into any future elections.