Craigslist Founder Consulting Big Tech About New Outlet
Craig Newmark is in contact with Facebook, Google and Twitter about The Markup, an investigative journalism platform that will use data science to cover big tech, the Craigslist founder said Monday. Newmark, who won't have an editorial role in the…
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new venture, contributed $20 million, and it's headed in part by ex-ProPublica journalists. Newmark said at the National Press Club that he's working “quietly and diplomatically,” talking to online platform representatives, platform critics and reporters, “to make sure everyone plays well together.” Asked if representatives from Facebook, Google and Twitter are involved in discussions, Newmark said, “It involves everyone.” The event’s moderator noted a New York Times article on the new venture describes concerns that The Markup’s data collection practices might violate platform terms of service. “Getting to the truth” often requires data science, Newmark said. There’s a lot of conjecture about tech platforms, and “we need something real,” he said. Journalism is in “crisis,” he said, suggesting The Markup adopt values that are in line with The Trust Project, a media company collaboration aimed at creating more trust in the press. Asked about platform bias, given claims coming from the White House and conservative lawmakers, Newmark said he's more interested in the details of platform terms of service and whether companies are upholding promises. He backed more enforcement to hold platforms accountable. Newmark also suggested consumers should have a certain level of “media literacy,” the ability to sniff out when a news story is “fake.” National Religious Broadcasters CEO Jerry Jones warned big tech platforms Friday there will be calls to re-examine Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act if platform bias isn't addressed this year.