Rep. Matt Gaetz Criticizes NewsGuard for Misinformation Labeling and Role in Censorship Industrial Complex

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) recently criticized NewsGuard, a tool that assesses the credibility of news websites and tracks misinformation online, calling it part of the "censorship industrial complex" that allegedly favors left-leaning publications over conservative viewpoints. NewsGuard, established in 2018 and funded by the U.

S. government, assigns "trust ratings" based on journalistic practices, but critics argue that negative ratings result in reduced advertising revenue for disfavored sites, particularly conservative publications. NewsGuard evaluates websites based on criteria such as accuracy, sourcing, news versus opinion balance, and headline precision.

However, the perceived bias against conservative outlets has become a contentious issue, prompting Rep. Gaetz to call for a House investigation into NewsGuard's alleged suppression of conservative voices on the internet. Gaetz voiced concerns over the influence of government funding on media bias, highlighting the need for scrutiny of NewsGuard's actions.

The tool claims to have assessed over 6,000 news sites, comprising the majority of online news engagement in several countries. The debate surrounding NewsGuard underscores broader concerns about media censorship and bias, prompting calls for transparency and accountability in evaluating online content.