The House Oversight Committee has summoned the chief executives of Discord, Twitch, Reddit, and Steam to testify on October 8. They are being called to answer for their platforms’ alleged roles in online radicalization and the incitement of politically motivated violence.
According to TechCrunch, the Committee’s letters request that the executives explain how their services may have been used in connection with recent acts of political violence. Representative James Comer, the Committee’s chairman, cited the murder of Charlie Kirk and other politically motivated attacks as the basis for congressional intervention. He stated that Congress has a responsibility to examine the platforms used to promote violence. Comer also called for the executives to outline what measures they will implement to prevent the misuse of their services.
Discord has confirmed it expects to testify in October, with a spokesperson stating the company maintains regular communication with policymakers. In a separate response to Reuters, Reddit confirmed it is examining any connection between its platform and the death of Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and associate of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed last week while speaking at an event in Utah. The alleged attacker, Tyler Robinson, reportedly confessed to the killing in a message on Discord shortly before his arrest. Reports suggest the bullets used in the attack were engraved with internet memes and references to video games.
