Today Marks Five Years

And what has changed? Not much. But I'm not throwing in the towel.

Five years ago today, I testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding Google’s refusal to scrub all the videos of my daughter Alison’s murder from YouTube. As I reflect on it a flood of mixed emotions overwhelms me. On one hand, there's a sense of pride in having taken a stand and used my voice to highlight a wrong that needs righting. On the other, there's an undeniable frustration and disappointment in the fact that, despite the gravity of my testimony and the urgency of the issue, nothing has been done to resolve it.

Testifying on July 16, 2019

When I first sat before the Senate, I believed in the power of our democratic institutions to enact meaningful change. I spoke candidly about Google's refusal to take down videos of Alison's murder—a horrific event that continues to haunt me and countless others. I shared the devastating impact these videos have had on my family, friends, and the broader community, emphasizing the urgent need for corporate accountability and responsible content moderation. I also filed two FTC complaints—one against Google, the other against Meta, hoping they would prompt regulatory action and ensure that no other family would have to endure what we did.

The experience was intense, filled with a sense of purpose and a belief that my words could catalyze action. However, as the months turned into years, the stark reality of political inertia became painfully clear. Initial promises of action and bipartisan cooperation faded into the background noise of partisan bickering and legislative gridlock. The issue I had brought to light seemed to have been absorbed into the vast expanse of ignored testimonies and unfulfilled commitments. As I wrote in a previous essay, I played my role in political theatre.

The most disheartening part of this journey is knowing the circulation of that gruesome video continues to this day. Over the past five years, I've met countless advocates and activists who share my frustration. We've formed networks and coalitions, tirelessly working to push for the changes that seem perpetually out of reach. We've lobbied, petitioned, and campaigned, often feeling like David against Goliath. Yet, despite our efforts, the progress has been painfully slow.

One might wonder why, after so much time and effort, there has been so little movement. The reasons are manifold and complex. Political will is often swayed by more immediate and sensational issues, leaving long-term systemic problems on the back burner. For lack of a better term, I call it the “Trump Sucks All the Oxygen Out of the News Syndrome”. It’s very hard to get the traction you need when the media is smitten with his antics. Now he’s almost been assassinated and that just throws gasoline on the fire. A giant asteroid could be hurtling directly toward Earth and the focus would still be on him.

There is also the influence of powerful interest groups that benefit from maintaining the status quo, making substantial reforms difficult to achieve. Google and Meta have more lobbyists on the Hill than all other industries combined. Furthermore, the sheer inertia of bureaucratic processes can stymie even the most well-intentioned efforts. Exhibit A and B are Warner and Kaine’s letters to the FTC on my behalf.

Despite the lack of progress, I refuse to succumb to despair, and believe me I’ve got plenty of it to go around. The fight for justice and reform is rarely a swift one. History is replete with examples of struggles that took decades, even generations, to achieve their goals. The civil rights movement, the fight for women's suffrage, and many other pivotal changes in our society required sustained effort and unwavering commitment. As I heard many times over the years, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

So, as I reflect on the five years since my Senate testimony, I do so with a renewed resolve. The bitter frustration I feel fuels my determination to continue advocating for change not only in social media reform and the revocation of Section 230 but also in the fight for sensible gun legislation. The stories of those still suffering are not just tales of despair but calls to action. They remind me that, while progress may be slow, it is not impossible. Here in Virginia, our side has scored wins over the gun lobby over the last few years. We have a ways to go, but we know progress can be achieved.

I also take solace in the small victories and the gradual shifts in public consciousness that have occurred. Awareness of the issue has grown, and Section 230—the law that gives Google and Meta complete immunity from liability—while not a household term, is becoming more well-known. Like the parents involved in the Kids Online Safety Act movement, there are now more voices joining the chorus calling for change. Each new ally, each new advocate, brings us one step closer to the tipping point where congressional action becomes inevitable.

The fifth anniversary of my Senate testimony is not just a milestone of inaction; it's a call to redouble our efforts. It serves as a poignant reminder of the work that remains and the importance of perseverance. Change may be slow, but it is still within our grasp, and we must continue to push forward with unwavering determination. The fight for justice, equity, and responsible corporate behavior is far from over, and I remain committed to seeing it through to the end.