Twitter, now X, will pay $100,000 to Washington state after violating campaign finance laws. Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the settlement, resolving a lawsuit alleging Twitter failed to disclose the identities and addresses of political advertisers, as well as the total amount spent on political ads in the state.
The violations occurred between 2012 and 2019. Washington law requires transparency in political advertising to ensure voters know who is trying to influence their decisions. Ferguson’s office argued that Twitter’s failure to comply with these laws deprived Washington voters of critical information.
This isn’t the first time Twitter has faced scrutiny over political advertising. Other social media platforms have also been under pressure to increase transparency around political ads. The settlement requires Twitter to implement measures to prevent future violations of Washington’s campaign finance laws. These include improved tracking and disclosure mechanisms for political advertising.
“Transparency in political advertising is essential for a healthy democracy,” Ferguson stated. “Washington’s laws are in place to ensure voters have the information they need, and companies like Twitter must follow them.”
The $100,000 payment will go to the state of Washington. The settlement marks a significant step in holding social media companies accountable for their role in political advertising and ensuring compliance with campaign finance regulations. It serves as a reminder that platforms, regardless of their size or influence, must adhere to the laws designed to protect the integrity of elections. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of regulating online political advertising and the need for continued vigilance to ensure transparency and fairness.
