Twitter will pay $100,000 to Washington state to resolve allegations of campaign finance violations. State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the settlement, citing that Twitter failed to properly disclose political advertising information and provide equal access to its platform for campaign ads.
The investigation revealed that Twitter had not maintained a comprehensive record of political advertisers and the amounts they spent on campaigns within the state. This lack of transparency made it difficult for the public to track the influence of money in elections. Furthermore, the attorney general’s office found that Twitter did not offer the same advertising rates and services to all political campaigns, creating an uneven playing field.
Washington state law requires online platforms to maintain detailed records of political advertising, including the names of advertisers, the amounts spent, and the targeted audience. The law aims to ensure transparency and prevent undue influence in elections. This settlement underscores the state’s commitment to upholding campaign finance laws and ensuring fair and open elections.
Under the terms of the agreement, Twitter will implement measures to improve its compliance with state campaign finance regulations. This includes enhancing its record-keeping practices, providing equal access to advertising opportunities for all campaigns, and training its staff on state laws. The settlement serves as a reminder to all social media platforms operating in Washington that they must adhere to the state’s campaign finance laws.
Attorney General Ferguson emphasized the importance of transparency in political advertising and holding social media companies accountable for their role in shaping elections. The settlement sends a clear message that Washington state will not tolerate violations of campaign finance laws.
