New Nonprofit Organization Aims to Combat Disinformation and Defend Researchers

The fight against disinformation has taken a new turn with the establishment of the American Sunlight Project, a nonprofit organization led by Nina Jankowicz, a former agency head at the Department of Homeland Security. The organization aims to combat what Jankowicz describes as a coordinated campaign to undermine researchers studying disinformation.

Jankowicz, along with co-founder Carlos Álvarez-Aranyos, has accused three Republican committee chairmen in the House of Representatives of abusing their subpoena powers to silence think tanks and universities exposing the sources of disinformation. The organization’s advisory board includes prominent figures such as former Facebook executive Katie Harbath and national security expert Benjamin Wittes.

The inception of the American Sunlight Project comes at a crucial time as the 2024 presidential election approaches, with concerns rising about the spread of false or misleading content online. Social media companies have scaled back efforts to enforce their own policies against harmful content, leading to a growing threat of disinformation.

The organization plans to run advertisements highlighting the dangers of disinformation and produce investigative reports on groups conducting disinformation campaigns. Despite facing backlash and personal threats in the past, Jankowicz is determined to lead the charge against disinformation, emphasizing the importance of transparency in combating false narratives.

As the battle against disinformation intensifies, the American Sunlight Project aims to provide a much-needed defense for researchers and experts in the field. With initial commitments of $1 million in donations, the organization seeks to counter the well-funded efforts of groups like America First Legal, which have targeted researchers collaborating with government officials.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on a federal lawsuit accusing government agencies of pressuring social media platforms to restrict certain accounts, further highlighting the contentious nature of the disinformation landscape. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Jankowicz remains steadfast in her mission to combat disinformation and protect the integrity of information in the digital age.