The newly formed Disinformation Governance Board was halted by the US Department of Homeland Security less than a month after its inception.
The board will be reviewed and evaluated after it was "grossly and intentionally mischaracterized," according to the department on Wednesday. The Washington Post first reported the pause.
"[The board] was never about censorship or policing speech in any manner. It was designed to ensure we fulfill our mission to protect the homeland, while protecting core constitutional rights," a DHS spokesperson said. "However, false attacks have become a significant distraction from the department's vitally important work to combat disinformation that threatens the safety and security of the American people."
The board was established by the DHS in April to combat harmful misinformation, especially Russian propaganda, which has been a major source of misinformation on social media. It also sought to look into fraudulent statements regarding immigration meant for migrants who were being exploited by human traffickers.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas admitted earlier this month that the board's mission could have been more clearly stated.
Top Republicans on the House intelligence and homeland security committees reportedly accused the board of being "a political tool to be wielded by the party in control." while a group of 20 attorneys general led by Virginia's Jason Miyares reportedly called the board "Orwellian" and threatened legal action unless it was disbanded.
The board's work will be placed on pause for 75 days while the study is carried out by former DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff and former US Deputy Attorney General Jamie Gorelick. According to the DHS, the focus will be on determining how the department can counter disinformation and achieve great openness while enhancing public trust.
The White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, denied that the board was closing down.
In addition to the pause, the board's executive director, Nina Jankowicz, has resigned. The decision came during a coordinated right-wing smear campaign against Jankowicz.
"It is deeply disappointing that mischaracterizations of the Board became a distraction from the Department's vital work, and indeed, along with recent events globally and nationally, embodies why it is necessary,"Jankowicz said in a statement provided by the DHS. "I maintain my commitment to building awareness of disinformation's threats and trust the Department will do the same."
According to the Washington Post, DHS initially planned to shut down the board on Monday, but by Tuesday, they had decided to put the board's work on hold.
