Nina Jankowicz, the former Department of Homeland Security disinformation chief, has embarked on a new endeavor with the American Sunlight Project, an organization dedicated to countering disinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 election, particularly in the midst of the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI).
In a letter addressed to congressional leaders, including GOP Representatives Jim Jordan, James Comer, and Dan Bishop, Jankowicz and the American Sunlight Project criticized the lack of action in fortifying the nation’s information environment since Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Nina Jankowicz (Credits: Bryn Mawr College)
The group highlighted the ongoing campaign by extremists to undermine critical disinformation research, branding it as a serious threat akin to the McCarthy Era.
The letter accused House committees of utilizing government resources to target researchers focused on national security, technology, and information intersections. It admonished these actions as wasteful and detrimental to efforts aimed at strengthening democracy in the face of escalating information threats.
Jankowicz emphasized the adverse impact of legal actions and efforts to obstruct researchers, diverting attention from crucial tasks of combating disinformation. She underscored the importance of pushing back against such campaigns to prevent them from shaping the prevailing narrative.
The establishment of the American Sunlight Project reflects a broader trend of civil advocacy groups urging technology and social media companies to confront misinformation and AI-driven disinformation ahead of elections worldwide.
Nina Jankowicz (Credits: Newsweek)
Jankowicz and her co-founder, Carlos Álvarez-Aranyos, highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for swift action to address concerning developments in the information space, particularly the proliferation of AI technologies like deepfakes.
The letter served as a call to action, stressing that disinformation transcends political affiliations and poses a serious threat to democracy. The American Sunlight Project positioned itself as a key player in confronting this growing menace, while urging congressional leaders to prioritize efforts to combat disinformation and safeguard democratic processes.
