‘Not Happy’: Johns Hopkins Doctor Says Big Tech Censored, Reinstated COVID-19 Study

Marty Makary M.D., M.P.H. Johns Hopkins University Professor of Surgery Marty Makary said that LinkedIn removed a research letter he co-authored because the scientific research allegedly violated its “Professional Community Policies.” He later tweeted that Linkedin reinstated it “after a friend compl[ained] to the CEO.”

Makary shared a link that takes you to the research letter from The Journal of the American Medical Association LinkedIn allows you to network with other people according to screenshotsHe tweeted. The letter outlined a study Makary conducted that reviewed the “Prevalence and Durability of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among Unvaccinated US Adults.” Makary’s screenshots show that LinkedIn purportedly “removed [the letter]It is contrary to [LinkedIn’s] Professional Community Policies.”

LinkedIn’s Professional Community Policies forbid users from sharing “false or misleading content.” It also bars all users, including scientists and medical professionals, from sharing “content that directly contradicts guidance from leading global health organizations and public health authorities.”

It is unclear how Makary’s study broke LinkedIn’s policy. The study reportedly found antibodies in over 50 percent of people who either tested positive for COVID-19 or who “believed they had COVID-19 but were never tested.” The study, however, acknowledged its limitations and that “these findings merit further consideration.”

LinkedIn is known for censoring doctors and scientists, and justifies its Professional Community Policy. The following three examples illustrate the platform’s disturbing pattern.

LinkedIn’s censorship policy against medical professionals isn’t unique. MRC CensorTrack’s most recent study found 808 examples of censorship related to COVID-19. This included nine medical/scientific groups and 32 doctors. 

LinkedIn did not respond to MRC Free Speech America’s request for comment at the time of publishing.

Conservatives under attackGet in touch LinkedInAt linkedin_support@cs.linkedin.comDemand that the platform is held accountable to the First Amendment. If you have been censored, contact us using CensorTrack’sContact formHelp us to hold Big Tech responsible.