Raja Krishnamoorthi Accuses Big Tech of Profiting From Rising Anti-Indian Hate Online
WASHINGTON — Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has accused major technology companies of financially benefiting from the spread of anti-Indian hatred on social media, urging Congress to strengthen oversight of online platforms amid growing concerns about threats against Indian American communities.
The Illinois Democrat made the remarks Wednesday, weeks after authorities uncovered an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.
“Anti-Indian hate is exploding on social media, and Big Tech is profiting from it,” Krishnamoorthi wrote on X.
“These companies have no incentive to stop the hatred they help spread. Congress must hold them accountable,” he added.
The congressman shared a 47-second video accompanying his statement but did not identify specific technology companies or outline proposed legislation to address the issue.
His remarks came as he intensified efforts to secure a federal investigation into the alleged attack plot targeting the Balaji temple in Aurora.
On Tuesday, Krishnamoorthi led a bipartisan group of 105 lawmakers in sending a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, urging federal authorities to investigate the incident as a potential hate crime.
The lawmakers included all six Indian American members of Congress, along with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin, Tammy Duckworth, Andy Kim and Chris Van Hollen.
“The alleged combination of targeted racial hatred, a religious setting, and preparations for mass violence demands a comprehensive federal response,” the lawmakers wrote.
The letter requested written responses from the FBI by October 29 and raised several questions about the investigation, including whether other individuals may have been involved in the alleged plot.
Lawmakers also sought information about the role of online platforms in potentially spreading extremist ideology and facilitating threats.
The letter asked how federal investigators distinguish between credible online threats and speech protected under the First Amendment, an issue that has become increasingly important as authorities confront extremist activity on social media.
The lawmakers also criticized messaging from federal agencies, including posts by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Education, arguing that some official communications could reinforce harmful stereotypes.
Such messaging “risks lending governmental legitimacy to racial and religious stereotyping”, the letter stated.
The allegations stem from the arrest of 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine, Illinois, who faces state charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a short-barreled rifle.
Authorities said Paporakis left behind a white supremacist manifesto containing threats against Indians and South Asians.
A Cook County judge ordered him held in custody pending further proceedings. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30, according to local media reports.
Krishnamoorthi was reportedly present at the temple at the time of the alleged attack attempt.
The incident has heightened concerns among Indian American and Hindu organizations about racially and religiously motivated threats, particularly those originating or spreading through online communities.
Krishnamoorthi’s criticism of technology companies reflects a broader debate in Washington over the responsibility of social media platforms to address hateful content and threats of violence.
While the congressman has not outlined specific legislative proposals, his remarks suggest that greater accountability for online platforms could become part of his efforts to combat anti-Indian discrimination.
The Illinois lawmaker has called for a comprehensive federal response to the alleged temple attack plot, emphasizing the need to investigate potential extremist networks and prevent similar threats against religious and ethnic communities. (Source: IANS)
