Letter to the Hon. Trey Gowdy, Chairman, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform - Convene Hearing on the Sale and Abuse of Fake Social Media Accounts

Letter

Dear Chairman Gowdy:

Recent reports in the New York Times depict a troubling practice of corporations selling fake social media accounts, often spoofed off of real, unknowing users. I request that you hold a hearing to investigate their possible influence on the 2016 Presidential election, and invite representatives of companies who sell these accounts to testify.

According to the New York Times, companies like Devumi have made millions of dollars selling fake accounts to "social media influencers" looking to spread their reach. Influencers, ranging from celebrity chefs to sports stars, pay thousands of dollars to amass hundreds of thousands of "followers," the majority of which are now known to be bots.

Although seemingly innocuous, this practice can be dangerous. Bot accounts can spread false information for deceptive purposes, such as altering public opinion to sway elections, with superhuman veracity. It is essential that we understand how companies like Devumi operate in order to prevent these bot accounts from destabilizing the public's trust in our nation's elections and undermining our national security.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I am available to discuss the need for a hearing on this essential topic at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

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