Twitter will pay $100,000 to Washington state to settle campaign finance violations. State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the agreement, citing Twitter’s failure to disclose political advertising purchases as required by state law. The violations occurred between 2012 and 2019.
Washington’s campaign finance laws mandate transparency in political advertising, ensuring voters know who is funding election-related messages. Ferguson’s office has actively enforced these laws, holding various entities accountable for non-compliance. The settlement with Twitter includes a payment covering legal costs and ensures future compliance.
This case underscores the importance of tech companies adhering to campaign finance regulations, even as political advertising evolves online. The Attorney General’s office emphasized that ignorance of the law is no excuse, and that all organizations involved in political advertising have a responsibility to understand and abide by the rules. The settlement sends a message that Washington state will vigorously defend its campaign finance laws and protect the integrity of its elections. Other tech companies have also faced scrutiny in Washington. This settlement contributes to the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair and transparent elections. The funds from the settlement will go to the state’s general fund.
