Fact-Checking Network Raises Alarm Over Reported US Visa Curbs Targeting Moderation and Misinformation Work

The International Fact-Checking Network said it is “deeply concerned” by reports that the US State Department told staff to deny visas to applicants who have worked in fact-checking, content moderation or trust and safety.

The International Fact-Checking Network said it is "deeply concerned" by reports that the US State Department instructed staff to deny visas to people who have worked in fact-checking and content moderation.

"This work strengthens public debate — it does not censor it," the organization said in a statement. "It is protected within the United States by the First Amendment (of the Constitution), and the U.S. has long supported similar press freedoms internationally."

AFP is a member of the IFCN.

Censorship of free speech

The statement Tuesday came days after the State Department reportedly sent a memo instructing staff vetting H-1B visas for highly skilled workers to reject applicants involved in the "censorship" of free speech.

The memo reportedly directs consular officers to explore applicants' work histories for activities such as combatting misinformation, disinformation, content moderation, fact-checking and trust and safety.

State Department officials have not denied the existence of the memo.

The IFCN said it was "troubled" by the implications of the memo for those whose work "protects children from exploitation, prevents fraud and scams, and combats coordinated harassment."

"A free press and an informed public are foundational to democracy," the group added. “Policies that treat the pursuit of accuracy as a disqualifying activity send a chilling message to journalists and others worldwide.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed)