Twitter will pay $100,000 to Washington state after violating campaign finance laws, according to Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The violations stem from Twitter’s failure to disclose the true sponsors of political advertisements on its platform. State law requires transparency in political advertising to ensure voters know who is funding these messages.
The settlement, filed in King County Superior Court, resolves a lawsuit brought by the state. The investigation revealed that Twitter did not maintain the necessary information about political ad buyers, preventing the public from understanding who was influencing Washington elections. This lack of transparency is a direct violation of state law, which aims to prevent hidden money from swaying voters.
Ferguson stated that Washington’s campaign finance laws are crucial for maintaining fair and open elections. The settlement sends a clear message to social media companies that they must comply with these laws. Twitter cooperated with the investigation and has agreed to implement measures to prevent future violations. These measures include improved record-keeping and enhanced training for employees involved in political advertising sales.
This case underscores the growing scrutiny of social media platforms’ role in political advertising. The lack of transparency can lead to undue influence and undermine the integrity of elections. As social media continues to be a primary source of information, ensuring compliance with campaign finance laws is essential for protecting democracy. The settlement highlights the importance of holding these platforms accountable.
