WASHINGTON (AP) – The State Department has closed down its office aimed at addressing
misinformation and disinformation
that Russia, China, and Iran have faced accusations for disseminating.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in a statement on Wednesday that he had shut down the entity formerly referred to as the Global Engagement Center due to its efforts to limit free speech both within the United States and internationally.
The center has often faced criticism from conservative quarters for highlighting media and online reports that it deems biased or inaccurate. On occasion, it has pointed out American websites and social media profiles that it believes are exacerbating the issue.
disinformation, specifically concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict
.
It is the duty of each government official to consistently strive to safeguard and uphold the freedom of Americans to express their opinions freely,” Rubio stated, accusing the office of attempting to “actively suppress and censor the voices of the Americans they were meant to serve.
Rubio stated that this is “contrary” to the principles we ought to uphold.
Both Congress and former leaders of the State Department have backed the center’s efforts.
“This is a highly deceptive and frivolous depiction of an organization dedicated to uncovering mainly Russian foreign disinformation campaigns,” stated former State Department spokesperson Ned Price in a X post.
