"Obama: Disinformation Is Killing People"

"Democracy is being eroded by an overwhelming information ecosystem buoyed by major tech platforms, former President Barack Obama said Thursday.

Obama's comments reflect a shift in his feelings toward technology, in contrast to his embrace of Silicon Valley and social media as a force for good as president.

Obama made the remarks at an event about disinformation and democracy at Stanford University, co-hosted by the Obama Foundation.

People are overwhelmed by the information served up by social media companies, and it contributes to division and confusion over what can be trusted, he said: "If we do nothing, I'm convinced the trends we're seeing will get worse."

Obama said it's time for the government to step in: 'Just like every industry with an impact on our society...these platforms need to be subject to some oversight.'"

Ashley Gold reports for Axios April 21, 2022.

SEE ALSO:

"Climate Groups Say Social Media Companies Leave ‘Public In The Dark’ On Misinformation Policies " (The Hill)

"Obama Says Tech Companies Have Made Democracy More Vulnerable" (Washington Post)

"Barack Obama Takes On a New Role: Fighting Disinformation" (New York Times)