Stanford Internet Observatory
The Stanford Internet Observatory is a multidisciplinary program for the study of abuse in information technologies, with a focus on social media, established in 2019. It is part of the Stanford Cyber Policy Center, a joint initiative of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and Stanford Law School.[1] Some Observatory work continued under new leadership at Stanford.[2] Its work on child safety, The Journal of Online Trust and Safety and the Trust and Safety Research Conference will continue.[2][3] Only three staffers remained as of June 2024, and they will either join Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center or leave their roles.[2]
Previous work
In June 2024, the observatory cut several jobs and is thought to be shutting down.[2][3][4][5] The Election Integrity Partnership, managed by the Observatory and a team from the University of Washington to identify real-time viral falsehoods about election procedures and outcomes, ended its work. In 2020 and 2022, conspiracy theories circulated on the right about the work of the Observatory.[5] Legal fees from lawsuits and congressional inquiries cost Stanford millions. Leadership including Alex Stamos, the main fundraiser, had left in November 2023 citing the toll of the political pressure while Renée DiResta's contract was not renewed in June 2024.[3] The Observatory’s closure marked a significant setback for misinformation researchers amid lawsuits as well as online attacks and harassment from conservative activists. Conservative lawmakers also threatened to cut federal funding to any universities that study propaganda, while the Washington Post theorized the University also might not want to alienate conservative donors.[2]
See also
References
- ^ "The Stanford Internet Observatory Turns Two". Stanford Internet Observatory. 7 June 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Menn, Joseph (14 June 2024). "Stanford's top disinformation research group collapses under pressure". Washington Post. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
- ^ a b c Newton, Casey; Schiffer, Zoë (June 13, 2024). "The Stanford Internet Observatory is being dismantled". Platformer.
- ^ Sato, Mia (June 14, 2024). "A major disinformation research center's future looks uncertain". The Verge.
- ^ a b Bond, Shannon (June 14, 2024). "A major disinformation research team's future is uncertain after political attacks". NPR.