Krishnamoorthi Accuses Big Tech Of Profiting From Anti-Indian Hate

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has accused major technology companies of profiting from a surge in anti-Indian hate on social media and called on Congress to hold them accountable, amid a congressional push for a federal investigation into an alleged plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois.

“Anti-Indian hate is exploding on social media, and Big Tech is profiting from it,” Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, wrote on X late Oct. 21.

“These companies have no incentive to stop the hatred they help spread. Congress must hold them accountable,” he said.

His post included a 47-second video but did not name any specific company or outline proposed legislative steps.

The remarks come as Krishnamoorthi pushes for a federal response to the alleged plot targeting the Balaji temple in Aurora, Illinois.

On October 20, he led 105 lawmakers, including every Indian American member of Congress and Senators Dick Durbin, Tammy Duckworth, Andy Kim and Chris Van Hollen, in urging FBI Director Kash Patel to investigate the alleged plot as a federal hate crime. The lawmakers sought written answers by October 29.

“The alleged combination of targeted racial hatred, a religious setting, and preparations for mass violence demands a comprehensive federal response,” the letter said.

The letter also sought information on the role of online platforms and possible accomplices, and how the FBI distinguishes online threats from speech protected by the First Amendment.

The accused, Alexandros Paporakis, 19, of Palatine, Illinois, faces state charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a short-barreled rifle. A judge ordered him detained. Police said he left behind a white-supremacist manifesto targeting Indians and South Asians. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30, according to local media reports.

Krishnamoorthi was at the temple at the time of the attack attempt. (IANS)