Discord, Twitch, Reddit, and Steam CEOs Asked To Testify Before U.S. Oversight Committee on Radicalization of Online Forum Users

In the press release, Comer identifies the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as the spark behind this move. Specifically, Comer said, “In the wake of this tragedy, and amid other acts of politically motivated violence, Congress has a duty to oversee the online platforms that radicals have used to advance political violence. To prevent future radicalization and violence, the CEOs of Discord, Steam, Twitch, and Reddit must appear before the Oversight Committee and explain what actions they will take to ensure their platforms are not exploited for nefarious purposes.” The committee hearing will take place on October 8. 

Online forums entered the national spotlight (again) after inscriptions on bullets found at the scene of Kirk’s shooting were revealed to be references to several popular memes and video games, including an input sequence found in the satirical online shooter Helldivers 2 and the song “Bella Ciao,” which has significance for rebel forces in Far Cry 6. Discord has especially been in the limelight since the company confirmed the suspected Kirk shooter, Tyler Robinson, claimed responsibility for the assassination to friends on its platform. A company spokesperson also stated that there’s “no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord.”

As GameIndustry.biz notes, the letters are not subpoenas and therefore don’t force the executive leadership of these companies to attend the hearing. But, given the heavy-handed approach the Republican Party and current White House administration have taken against anyone who doesn’t fall in line (including recent campaigns related to speech on Charlie Kirk), not attending could bear consequences.

That said, claims of radicalization on the previously mentioned platforms aren’t unfounded. In fact, a report from 2021 pointed out how Steam and Discord had become a hotbed for far-right extremist activity. Thus far, only Discord has confirmed to Gizmodo that its CEO will be attending the committee hearing, with Steam, Twitch, and Reddit having not indicated one way or another at the time of publication.