“A menace to public health,” is how 270 doctors described podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Allegations come after a recent segment with virologist Robert Malone who claimed to have developed the MRNA technology that the COVID-19 vaccine was built on.
The New York Post reported: The doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals who co-signed the statement have expressed concern that the podcast’s outspoken 54-year-old host is making millions on the dissemination of bogus medical advice — to the health detriment of his listeners.
The letter also asked the streaming music service to “establish a clear and public policy to moderate misinformation on its platform.”
Oddly enough the podcast episode seems to have disappeared from the internet, aside from Spotify the one final hold out for Joe’s conversation with Malone. The episode which is usually posted to YouTube has been totally removed and does not exist.
“Spotify has a responsibility to mitigate the spread of misinformation on its platform, though the company presently has no misinformation policy,” the letter said attempting to assert authority over the platform.
Spotify like all other online media sources has a responsibility to keep the free flow of information intact. If this particular episode gets deleted everywhere, it would no longer be available for curious minds to listen. The way to shut down misinformation is not through censoring it but through spreading the truth. This is an idea Rogan has promoted on his podcast many times.
If these 270 doctors were truly disgusted by what Malone had to say, perhaps even just one should have sought out Rogan and asked for an opportunity to offer the other side in a future episode.
Contacting Malone and seeking a discussion is also an option. When attempting to shut down misinformation, nothing works better than public discourse with the person whom you believe is spreading falsities.
“These are fringe ideas not backed in science, and having it on a huge platform makes it seem there are two sides to this issue. And there are really not. The overwhelming evidence is the vaccine works, and it is safe.”Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist at the University of Chicago said.
The letter included a fact check of claims made during the Malone episode.