Central Georgia News

Blake Harbin, a candidate for U.S. Congress in Georgia's 6th District, is calling on Congress to investigate Google for allegations of censoring free speech of Americans. The request comes after a study by North Carolina State University found Google is flagging Republican emails on its free Gmail service.

“Email is an everyday essential that millions of Americans use to communicate with one another," Harbin said. "We use it more than phones. Whether the conversations are about politics, policy or sports, every American is guaranteed the right of free speech under our Constitution. If the Palo Alto mafia is purposefully blocking the free speech of Americans, then we need to know about it and fight against it.”  

The study found that Gmail was 50% more likely to flag an email sent from a Republican as spam than an email sent from a Democrat. Emails are used as a primary mechanism to communicate with voters, particularly during election years. Harbin believes the idea that big technology firms and email service providers are deliberately preventing free speech is wrong and destructive to the democracy of the American people, he said in a recent news release.    

Harbin said constant censorship by big tech and removing conservative voices from social media platforms has made it difficult to hold the companies at fault accountable. “If we want to change what is happening, stop the censorship and violation of the First Amendment, then we must win back Congress this November,” he said.

Harbin said he is confident a Congressional investigation into these new findings will expose big tech’s infractions and the fact that they are being done deliberately to silence Republican voices and causes.

According to his campaign website, Harbin plans to focus his attention on supporting parental rights to be involved with their children’s education, guarding against government overreach and securing the border.

Harbin has a background in organizations like the American Legion, spearheading initiatives with farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic and hosting the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” annual drive to help children in need, according to the Cobb Reporter.

Harbin’s background also includes serving on the board of the Cottage School, and he is actively involved in other organizations such as the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the NRA, Ducks Unlimited, the Alzheimer’s Foundation, the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Georgia, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance supporting veterans and the Boy Scouts of America, the newspaper said.

Harbin prides himself as a businessman, having also built small businesses in financial management and home mortgages for over 20 years.                   

The GOP primary for Georgia’s 6th congressional seat will be held May 24.