Bay State News

Representative Jake Auchincloss, the U.S. Congressman for Massachusetts' 4th district, shared his views on the relationship between social media corporations and Washington. In a series of posts, Auchincloss discusses issues related to free speech and corporate influence.

In a tweet posted on April 11, 2025, Auchincloss posed a critical question regarding the protection of special interests by social media corporations in Washington. He stated, "How do the social media corporations protect their special interests in Washington? First, they try to hide behind 'free speech'. But, Section 230 is not the First Amendment. Platforms shouldn't get exemptions from tort law that journalists don't get." This highlights concerns over legal protections offered to online platforms compared to traditional media entities.

Continuing on the same day, Auchincloss emphasized the need for legislative action. He tweeted, "Congress must peel the bark off these social media platforms, freeing Washington from their corporate capture and fixing what they have broken." This statement suggests a call to dismantle the perceived influence of social media companies over governmental processes.

Finally, Auchincloss criticized the methods used by corporations to advance their interests, stating that they often deploy proxy organizations to advocate on their behalf. He noted, "Finally – the corporations don't show up at all. In their place, remarkably well-funded front groups push their agenda under the guise of sympathetic issues." This underscores his belief in a need for transparency in how corporate policies are promoted in policy-making arenas.

Jake Auchincloss serves in the U.S. Congress representing Massachusetts’ 4th District since 2021, following his time in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Auchincloss is an alumnus of Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.