Representatives DeSaulnier, Beyer, Huffman, and Lee Call on DOJ to Expand Investigation into Facebook

Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Don Beyer (VA-08), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Barbara Lee (CA-13) called on Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to expand any investigation into Facebook and Cambridge Analytica at the Department of Justice (DOJ). The request urges DOJ to investigate whether Facebook hid information about the misuse of the platform by foreign governments during the 2016 Presidential Election and/or retaliated against those seeking to increase government accountability of the platform. New reporting by the New York Times found that Facebook took significant steps to undermine critics by using partisan political consultants to retaliate against them.

"Not only did these executives fail to disclose this information to relevant law enforcement officials and the public, but they also actively worked to cover it up and discredit anyone who attempted to hold the company accountable," wrote the Members.

"These actions not only show bad faith on the part of Facebook, but could have implications for securities and campaign finance law," the Members continued.

Congressman DeSaulnier also called on Facebook to provide information on these allegations, and asked California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to consider looking into the matter.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

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