Reason obtained emails proving that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) played a direct role in policing speech on social media throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Facebook moderators constantly contacted the CDC, routinely asking for censorship of COVID-related issues.

Confidential emails obtained by Reason show that Facebook moderators routinely asked government health officials to vet claims relating to the virus and mitigation efforts such as masks and vaccines.

One email sought guidance on whether to act aggressively against vaccine-discouraging content.

“We are facing continued pressure from external stakeholders, including the White House and the press to remove more COVID-19 vaccine discouraging content.

Additionally, the email states that they shared a list of the top 100 vaccine-related posts on Facebook in the US for the week of 4/5-4/11 with the White House.

Facebook allowed the federal government to vet the claims in posts. They continually thanked the government for their help, and were eager participants.