Investigative journalist James O’Keefe has released a video purportedly showing a Google executive discussing Big Tech's efforts to influence the 2024 presidential election in favor of Kamala Harris.

The video, released by O’Keefe Media Group, features Dakota Leazer, a Google growth strategist, alleging a coordinated campaign by major tech firms with Harris' campaign to bolster her bid for the presidency, as Breitbart reports.

According to O'Keefe, the undercover footage captures Leazer openly discussing how Google and other tech giants are influencing the political landscape.

Leazer describes Google as a progressive company, but one that prioritizes economic gains over political ideology.

Claims of Political Manipulation for Economic Gain

Leazer suggested that Google's actions are driven by a desire to increase shareholder value and stock prices through engaging content that stirs political discourse.

He indicated that this strategy involves crafting headlines that generate clicks and, consequently, advertising revenue. According to the Google executive, these headlines tend to be politically charged and favor Harris.

Allegations of Misleading Advertising Tactics

The strategist further claimed that Google was promoting Harris through ads disguised as articles from legitimate news sites. This, he said, was part of a broader effort by tech billionaires to sway public opinion and media in favor of the vice president.

Leazer expressed a cynical view of these tactics, describing them as unavoidable in today's media landscape. He admitted to not feeling personally guilty about the manipulative strategies employed.

Broader Coordination Among Big Tech and Billionaires

“When you zoom out and look at who’s really pulling the strings of this country, it’s like a handful of billionaires, a lot of them are in tech, and it’s like tech controls the media, essentially,” Leazer commented in the video.

He also noted that other platforms, like Facebook, appeared to promote content that was favorable towards Harris. According to Leazer, much of the AI-driven content on social media also seemed biased towards the vice president.

Leazer's Online Presence Vanishes After Video Release

Following the release of O'Keefe’s video, Leazer removed his professional and social media profiles, including accounts on X and TikTok. His online biography and contact information were also deleted.

O'Keefe highlighted this withdrawal, emphasizing the significance of the revelations and their impact on Leazer's reputation.

Public and Media Reactions to the Allegations

The allegations have sparked debates on the ethical responsibilities of Big Tech companies in political processes. Critics argue that such influence could undermine the democratic process, while supporters of Harris have dismissed the claims as conspiratorial.

As discussions continue, the implications of these allegations on public trust in major tech companies remain significant. With the presidential election approaching, the role of Big Tech in politics is under intense scrutiny.

Future Implications for Big Tech and Political Campaigns

The controversy raises questions about the transparency and fairness of tech companies in political campaigns.

It also prompts a broader discussion about the power of tech giants in shaping political narratives and possibly the outcomes of elections.

Whether these allegations will lead to regulatory changes or shifts in public perception of Big Tech's role in politics is yet to be seen.

However, the debate over digital influence on democratic processes is likely to intensify as the election nears.