{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-top-financial-services-energy-commerce-republicans-seek-answers-regarding-paypal-s-anti-free-speech-policy", "Emmer, Top Financial Services, Energy & Commerce Republicans Seek Answers Regarding PayPal\u2019s Anti-Free Speech Policy", "2022-10-18", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Tom Emmer", "E000294", "emmer.house.gov", "emmer", "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2014 Today, House Financial Services Committee Ranking Republican Member of Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Tom Emmer (MN-06), House Financial Services Committee Republican Leader Patrick McHenry (NC-10), House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Representative Morgan Griffith (VA-09), sent a letter to PayPal President and CEO Dan Schulman. The Republican Leaders are seeking answers regarding the recently published, and later removed, changes to PayPal\u2019s Acceptable Use Policy that would stifle free speech.\n\nCongressman Emmer said, \u201cThe ability to transact without fear of retribution and political censorship is the foundation on which a free economy is built. We cannot afford to sacrifice these freedoms, and we must keep a close eye on any actions that erode them.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe now-rescinded penalties outlined in PayPal\u2019s Acceptable Use Policy were deeply concerning, and the American people deserve answers about how these decisions are made and whether their speech will be protected on this kind of platform,\u201d Emmer concluded.\n\nRead the letter to PayPal here or below:\n\n\u201cDear Mr. Schulman:\n\n\u201cThank you for the briefing provided to Minority staff of the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Financial Services (the Committees) on October 11, 2022. As a follow-up to the briefing, we write to request more information on the changes made to PayPal\u2019s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). On October 8, 2022, PayPal updated its AUP to prohibit users from transactions that \u2018involve the sending, posting or publication of any messages, content, or materials\u2019 that are objectionable as determined by \u2018PayPal\u2019s sole discretion.\u2019 A fine of $2,500 would be imposed on objectionable violations, including transactions that promote misinformation, or depict or promote criminal activity. Later that day, a PayPal spokesperson stated that the updated user agreement \u2018went out in error\u2019 and \u2018included incorrect information.\u2019 A copy of the since removed AUP is attached.\n\n\u201cAs a leading financial technology company, it is concerning that a user agreement that contemplates the restriction of free speech was uploaded and disseminated to PayPal users \u2013 even if in error. We understand your company is currently investigating this matter. Upon the conclusion of your investigation, we request that you provide a briefing for the Committees as soon as practicable. In addition, to assist the Committees in better understanding PayPal\u2019s processes for changing its AUP, please provide written answers to the following questions:\n\nWhere and with whom did the text of the October 8, 2022 AUP originate?\n\nWhat is PayPal\u2019s approval process for changes made to the AUP? Are there PayPal guidelines that document this process? If so, please share the guidelines related to the AUP.\n\nWho is authorized to make the changes?\n\nDid the text that was updated October 8, 2022 go through the typical approval process?\n\nWere the changes made to the AUP on October 8, 2022 ever contemplated within PayPal?\n\nHow and at what frequency is the AUP updated?\n\nWere any entities affected by the updated AUP issued October 8, 2022? If so, please list these entities.\n\nWhat are your internal control policies for making changes to PayPal\u2019s AUP?\n\nWhat is the notice requirement given to PayPal customers for an updated AUP?\n\nIs there any indication an external party updated the AUP? If not, how do you know?\n\nAre third-party contractors held to same internal protocols and standards as PayPal employees?\n\nWith respect to violations of the AUP, is a fined individual notified with specificity?\n\nIs there an appeals process for violations of the AUP? If so, what is it?\n\nIn the briefing you provided to the committees you indicated that the company was handling the investigation internally. Can you please provide the process for that investigation?\n\nWhat is the timeline of your investigation?\n\nHave any PayPal employees met with the Executive Branch regarding disinformation initiatives?\n\nIf so, please name the employees, their affiliations, and the dates of the meetings.\n\n\u201cPlease provide your response as soon as possible, but no later than Thursday, October 27, 2022. \u2026 \u201c\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-top-financial-services-energy-commerce-republicans-seek-answers-regarding-paypal-s-anti-free-speech-policy"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.5157610177993774, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}