Fox News' Covid vaccine denials can't go unpunished

[catbyte]

I filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday. Here's hoping it moves forward.

July 21, 2021, 5:35 AM EDT
By Dean Obeidallah, MSNBC Opinion Columnist

Typically, when Fox News spews lies or misinformation on political issues, my response is a mix of fact-checking and eye rolls. But the current misinformation campaign about the Covid-19 vaccine from some of Fox News’ most popular hosts demands more than a typical response given lives are on the line.

That’s why I filed a complaint this week with the Federal Trade Commission against Fox News for possible violations of the Covid-19 Consumer Protection Act. That law, enacted in December 2020, makes it “unlawful” for a corporation or individual “to engage in a deceptive act or practice in or affecting commerce associated with the treatment, cure, prevention, mitigation, or diagnosis of COVID–19.” My goal in filing this case is to prompt the agency to investigate and bring an end to the apparently deceptive information Fox News has been selling to the consumers of its channel.

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As a lawyer, I understand that my complaint versus Fox News may seem beyond the traditional scope of the FTC’s work. However, given the FTC’s expanded powers under the new Covid-19 Consumer Protection Act to protect the public from deceptive information related to the treatment or prevention of Covid-19, I believe this complaint fits squarely within the spirit of its new mandate.

In addition, Fox News is a for-profit business that is selling its product — information — to the public in exchange for cable subscription fees. The FTC is the perfect agency to protect the public from any person or entity peddling false information about Covid-19 vaccines in pursuit of pecuniary gain. (If the commission decides it doesn’t have jurisdiction, then it’s imperative that Congress expand the Covid-19 Consumer Protection Act to explicitly empower the FTC to investigate media outlets misleading consumers on Covid-related issues.)

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https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/fox-news-covid-vaccine-denials-can-t-go-unpunished-n1274548

[EYESORE 9001]

1. I hope this gains traction

On a side note, I really enjoy listening to Dean Obeidallah on SiriusXM Progress (when I have time , that is).

[50 Shades Of Blue]

2. K & R!

[dweller]

3. That was on Tuesday

When did faux, turtle and repugs start saying ‘get vaxxed’ ?

✌🏻

[Skittles]

4. thank you

I cannot understand how it can be legal to spread absolute LIES that endanger the public health - ENOUGH ALREADY.

[crickets]

5. Oh, please let this have some legs.

Worth clicking through to read the rest for additional info and links. K&R!