Official announcements or legislative records from the US government

John Kerry at WEF Calls for New Measures to Combat Disinformation, Citing First Amendment as Obstacle

Sep 29, 2024, 09:55 AM

John Kerry, speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF), expressed concerns about the First Amendment, describing it as a significant obstacle to combating disinformation and building consensus. Kerry suggested that the right to free speech hinders the ability of governments to control narratives and manage disinformation effectively. He proposed the establishment of a 'Ministry of Truth' to act as an arbiter of facts, implying that current democratic mechanisms are insufficient for addressing misinformation. Kerry also highlighted the challenges posed by social media and emphasized the importance of addressing the climate crisis and achieving net zero emissions. His comments have sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing that such measures would undermine fundamental democratic principles.