PEN America Awarded $250K in Support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies to Fight Disinformation and Harassment Online

Gift from organization of craigslist founder to help defend truth during 2020 U.S. presidential election

January 7, 2020 – PEN America announces a $250,000 gift from Craig Newmark Philanthropies for its work to combat disinformation and harassment online over the next 12 months. This significant investment will allow the literary and free expression organization to re-energize its work ahead of the 2020 US presidential election cycle.

Through this gift, PEN America will expand its online harassment self-defense trainings for newsrooms, journalism schools, and writers' associations. The organization will also work closely with major news organizations, including the San Diego Union Tribune and Dallas Morning News, to develop best practices for protecting journalists from online abuse.

"During a fraught political moment, we're especially honored that Craig is doubling down on his contributions to our vital work in promoting truth and transparency and defending journalists and writers from online abuse," said Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America. "As social platforms and digital spaces explode with vitriol, combating online harassment – and the chill on free expression that it represents – has never been more crucial. We are grateful to Craig Newmark Philanthropies for supporting our efforts to push back against disinformation and help ensure that the American people have the information they need during the upcoming campaign."

This gift will also allow PEN America to expand its continued efforts to fight against disinformation by:

• Engaging with digital platforms to identify ways to counter the spread of disinformation while preserving free expression;
• Organizing an expert convening to spotlight and respond to online disinformation campaigns throughout the 2020 election cycle;
• Encouraging 2020 Democratic and Republican party platforms to include language on addressing the fight against disinformation;
• Mobilizing PEN America Members in all 50 states to press candidates and elected officials to reject the use of disinformation; and
• Advocating for federal legislation that promotes information integrity and digital freedom.

"We face a set of complex challenges ahead of the 2020 US presidential election, especially when it comes to combatting the spread of disinformation and the harassment of journalists online." said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. "PEN America's holistic efforts will help prepare journalists and elected officials to preserve our democracy and elections in this information war."

In 2017, PEN America surveyed writers and journalists to assess the impact of online abuse. The survey found that, of those who had experienced online harassment, two-thirds reported reacting severely, including refraining from publishing their work, permanently deleting their social media accounts, and/or fearing for their safety or the safety of their loved ones. These findings contributed to the creation of the organization's Online Harassment Field Manual and online harassment self-defense trainings, which equip writers and journalists with the best available methods and means to protect themselves and their freedom to write. Thanks to this gift from Craig Newmark Philanthropies, PEN America will be able to continue this work.

About PEN America

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.

About Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Craig Newmark Philanthropies was created by craigslist founder Craig Newmark to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. It works to advance grassroots organizations that are getting stuff done in areas that include trustworthy journalism & the information ecosystem, voter protection, gender diversity in technology, and veterans & military families. For more information, please visit: CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org.