Politicians target Discord, Steam and Twitch in audience

In a decision that reignites debates about the relationship between gaming platforms and online radicalization, Republican representative James Comer has summoned the CEOs of Valve, Discord, Twitch, and Reddit to testify at a hearing. The hearing, scheduled for October 8th, comes after the murder of Charlie Kirk, and aims to focus on the alleged role of online communities in inciting political violence.

Comer's summons, as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is based on the premise that the government has "a duty to oversee online platforms that radicals have used to promote political violence." The suspect in the crime had a history of internet and gaming use, with references to memes and a combination of Helldivers 2 buttons recorded on ammunition casings. He was described by friends as "terminally online," a term that has been used in discussions about the case. The hearing aims for the CEOs to explain "what actions they will take to ensure that their platforms are not exploited for nefarious purposes."

The gaming industry has been a common target for politicians after violent events, despite the lack of evidence directly linking gameplay to violence. Since the 1990s, social scientists have studied the effects of games, finding "mixed results, at best," for the most controversial claims. A research community dedicated to this topic has focused on how social dynamics in online games interact with radicalization.

Ironically, the same research community that could provide data for the hearing is facing difficulties. The Department of Homeland Security reduced its violence and terrorism prevention program "significantly" in July, which funded much of this research. Other research efforts have been subjected to "severe cuts" in their grant programs.

The summoning of leaders from companies like Discord, Steam, and Twitch to testify before the US Congress is a concerning development for the industry, which finds itself once again under political scrutiny without solid scientific basis. The situation worsens with the news that the very research that could underpin a responsible debate is being dismantled by government decisions.