Congress Calls Discord, Steam, Twitch, and Reddit CEOs to Testify on Online Radicalization

he House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has summoned the CEOs of Discord, Steam, Twitch, and Reddit to testify about the role their platforms play in online radicalization. The hearing is scheduled for October 8.

Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) said Congress has “a duty to oversee the online platforms that radicals have used to advance political violence,” noting that the executives must explain what steps they are taking to prevent extremists from exploiting their communities.

Letters were sent to Discord CEO Humam Sakhnini, Valve president Gabe Newell (Steam), Twitch CEO Dan Clancy, and Reddit CEO Steve Huffman. Each will give a five-minute opening statement before answering lawmakers’ questions.

Platforms like Discord and Steam have been repeatedly tied to extremist activity—from organizing the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville to hosting discussions linked to recent mass shootings. Reports from groups like the Anti-Defamation League have also flagged widespread extremist and antisemitic content on Steam.

The push for testimony follows the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week. The suspect allegedly discussed the act on Discord and was reportedly immersed in online meme culture.

This upcoming hearing signals a new round of scrutiny for platforms that, while designed for gaming and community, have also become gathering spaces for extremists.