The Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), a coalition established in 2019 by the World Federation of Advertisers, is under fire following revelations about its influence over online content and significant federal contracts awarded to its members. GARM was initially formed to create standards for "brand safety" in digital advertising, aiming to reduce harmful online content. However, a recent report by the House Judiciary Committee has accused GARM of engaging in practices that potentially violate federal antitrust laws and limit freedom of speech online.
The House Judiciary Committee's investigation into GARM uncovered internal communications suggesting that the coalition's leaders strategized to limit the reach of conservative news outlets like The Daily Wire, Fox News, and Breitbart News. An email from a top GARM executive revealed an explicit disdain for these outlets, describing their content as "bulls**t" and suggesting a concerted effort to block their advertisements
This was epic- Elon Musk telling Don Lemon “you want censorship, and I don’t”
“Freedom of speech only is relevant when people you don’t like say things you don’t like. Otherwise, it has no meaning”
– @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/E7MW2iqGIF— Tonya de Vitti (@TonyadeVitti) July 27, 2024
GARM's alleged practices go beyond mere content regulation. The coalition has been accused of using its vast influence—members account for 90% of global advertising spending—to suppress dissenting viewpoints. Notably, the report highlights how GARM members like GroupM, the world's largest media buying agency, placed conservative outlets on a "Global High Risk exclusion list," categorizing them under "Conspiracy Theories".
The report also details how GARM's leadership, including co-founder Rob Rakowitz, expressed anti-democratic sentiments in private emails. Rakowitz criticized the US Constitution for being written by "white men exclusively" and lamented the extreme interpretation of free speech rights. These views have raised concerns about the coalition's role in shaping public discourse and its impact on American freedoms.
LOL
Meta literally admits to censorship of history
What a time to be alive #MAGA pic.twitter.com/aSPqBlro49
— Bullish (@TheBullishTradR) July 29, 2024
Further scrutiny has been directed at GARM's involvement in significant federal contracts. Reports indicate that GARM members have received billions in federal contracts, prompting questions about the coalition's influence within the government. The House Judiciary Committee is investigating whether these contracts were awarded fairly or if they were influenced by GARM's strategic goals.
The controversy surrounding GARM has sparked a broader debate about the power of global advertising coalitions and their role in online censorship. Conservative commentators, including Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro, have accused GARM of being part of a network of global elites that enforce approved narratives while punishing dissenting ones. Shapiro is set to testify before the House Judiciary Committee, where he will likely elaborate on these accusations.
In addition to its alleged bias against conservative outlets, GARM has also been implicated in efforts to pressure major platforms like Twitter and Spotify. The coalition reportedly urged its members to halt all advertising on Twitter following Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform, which led to significant revenue shortfalls for the company. GARM also targeted Spotify over Joe Rogan's podcast, criticizing the host's comments on COVID-19 vaccines.
The investigation into GARM's practices is ongoing, with potential implications for the future of digital advertising and free speech. The House Judiciary Committee's findings suggest that GARM's influence extends beyond brand safety into areas that may undermine democratic principles and consumer choice.
