(WASHINGTON) — Some videos circulated by the Department of Homeland Security in recent months showing scenes of government immigration operations, and which were presented as evidence of domestic threats, in reality were outdated, irrelevant or taken out of context, according to recent reporting. PEN America said these deceptive information practices are eroding trust in government information that the public depends on and must end.
In response, Tim Richardson, journalism and disinformation program director at PEN America, issued the following statement:
“It is becoming starkly clear that under this administration, information provided by the government may be misleading or flat-out wrong, intended to build public support for policies not shaped on their merits, but through selective or manipulated content. Certainly, both Democratic and Republican administrations have routinely infused politics into their communications, but the deceptive messaging tactics seen in recent months stand in clear contrast to the past. Federal government data and information have long been a reliable source for credible information for journalists, researchers, and the public. But increasingly, public confidence and trust in these sources is being eroded. These practices must end — the administration should be honoring the public’s right to the truth, rather than peddling falsehoods.”
The Washington Post’s reporting coincides with a new Pew Research Center analysis that found about half of Americans say it’s difficult to determine what’s true and what’s not when they get news. It comes alongside the growth of generative AI to create content, and social media amplification for distribution. The misleading videos also follow earlier moves by the administration to restrict data and research on topics of public interest that don’t align with its agenda, often with a focus on topics such as health, gender, education, and climate.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], 201-247-5057