A newly released House Weaponization Subcommittee report alleges that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) played a direct role in censoring Americans, both independently and through third-party organizations, during the Biden administration. The report, obtained by Fox News Digital, centers on CISA's activities leading up to the 2020 and 2022 elections.

The investigation, spearheaded by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), uncovered non-public records suggesting CISA broadened its initial cybersecurity mandate to encompass monitoring American speech on social media, collaborating with tech companies and government-funded entities for censorship, and attempting to conceal these actions from the public.

Specifically, the report claims CISA transitioned from tracking foreign disinformation to monitoring all disinformation, including domestic speech. It also alleges CISA used its relationships with Big Tech and non-profits to indirectly censor content by establishing reporting channels that funneled misinformation reports from the government to social media platforms. Further, the report contends CISA attempted to cover its tracks by removing references to domestic misinformation and disinformation from its website.

CISA, established in 2018 with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure and cybersecurity, has, according to the report, evolved into a hub for domestic surveillance and censorship. The subcommittee's findings indicate CISA regularly flagged social media posts for alleged disinformation by 2020, formed a dedicated "mis, dis, and malformation" (MDM) team by 2021, and then attempted to obscure its activities by 2022, claiming a purely informational role.

The report raises particular concerns about CISA's focus on "malformation," which they define as factual information presented out of context to mislead. This focus, the report argues, effectively allows the government to censor factual information based on its interpretation of appropriate context.

Internal communications within the MDM advisory team, obtained by the committee, reveal concerns about transparency and the potential public perception of their work. One email expressed worry that their activities would be scrutinized and suggested proactively shaping the narrative around their work. Following congressional subpoenas to major tech companies, CISA reportedly removed references to domestic MDM from its website.

The report also details CISA's alleged collaboration with federal partners to develop a government-wide approach to combating misinformation, including the consideration of a rapid response team for deployment across the U.S. Furthermore, it claims CISA shifted its censorship efforts to a CISA-funded non-profit, The Center for Internet Security (CIS), after facing legal challenges. The report alleges CISA used CIS as a mouthpiece to avoid the appearance of government propaganda.

CISA Executive Director Brandon Wales denies the allegations, stating that CISA does not and has never censored speech or facilitated censorship. He emphasizes CISA’s mission of protecting critical infrastructure while upholding freedom of speech and other civil liberties. CISA also denies funding CIS for disinformation-related work, attributing reports of potential disinformation to EI-ISAC, an independent entity.

The investigation continues as Republicans express ongoing concerns about Big Tech censorship and alleged bias against conservatives.