Tester Demands Transparency During First Commerce Committee Hearing

Senator Grills Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube on Political Advertisements

(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester attended his first Senate Commerce Committee meeting today where he grilled America’s top social media companies about their efforts to shine light on political advertisements.

Tester called for more transparency on social media websites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

“I don’t think this is a Democrat or Republican issue, this is a democracy issue,” Tester said. “I would hope you guys would put pen to paper and figure out how you can let people know who’s paying for ads.”

Tester questioned Carlos Monje, Jr., Director of Public Policy and Philanthropy for Twitter, Monika Bickert, Director of Global Policy Management for Facebook, and Juniper Downs, Global Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for YouTube.

He received assurances from the representatives that they would be looking for ways to improve and increase transparency.

Tester recently joined the Senate Commerce Committee and now has a seat at the table on issues ranging from improving the business environment to infrastructure, broadband, and broadcasting.