NewsGuard targets free-speech lawyer amid censorship debate

NewsGuard, a for-profit entity known for rating news sources, has faced scrutiny for its alleged bias and connections to government censorship. Recently, it targeted Jonathan Turley, a law professor and free-speech advocate, questioning the labeling of his blog and its Latin name after he criticized NewsGuard's role in media censorship. This inquiry came shortly after Turley publicly denounced NewsGuard as a tool for state-sponsored media monitoring. Turley highlighted the inconsistency in NewsGuard's ratings, noting that it rates left-leaning media more favorably than right-leaning outlets, which could threaten the advertising revenue of conservative media. In addition to targeting Turley, NewsGuard has dismissed narratives surrounding the Paris Olympics as far-right propaganda, despite evidence supporting claims of crime related to the event. The organization has been compared to other entities that have faced legal challenges and scrutiny for their practices, such as the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, which dissolved amid investigations. Public records reveal that NewsGuard has collaborated with Microsoft to provide election information, raising concerns about its influence on public discourse. Turley’s criticism of NewsGuard has sparked a broader debate about the implications of its ratings and the potential for censorship under the guise of fact-checking. As the controversy unfolds, the implications for free speech and media integrity remain significant, with Turley advocating for the right to express dissenting views without fear of being labeled or censored by organizations like NewsGuard.