Is opening Twitter up to Rightwing disinformation Free Speech
Does it matter if misinformation hurts people? Is Elon using Free Speech to cancel out Free Speech?
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Ynotisay · M
I'm not sure it has anything to do with Free Speech. That's a phrase that has morphed in to something that it's not. Free Speech is a function of the government. Private companies make their own rules. But individuals are still under the auspice of the government. Inciting violence is an example of what you can't do.
But does it matter? Sure it matters. Online radicalization is a real thing. As are governments using social media platforms to lie to citizens. Or individuals being targeted or harassed. "Free Speech" has become the go-to line for extremists who think their hate, lies and rhetoric shouldn't be challenged by a company's policies. That's not how it works. Free market capitalism, right? That's why companies that don't want to associate with bad actors don't advertise with platforms. And users who don't want to be around it don't use those platforms. Free Speech doesn't mean speech without consequence.
But does it matter? Sure it matters. Online radicalization is a real thing. As are governments using social media platforms to lie to citizens. Or individuals being targeted or harassed. "Free Speech" has become the go-to line for extremists who think their hate, lies and rhetoric shouldn't be challenged by a company's policies. That's not how it works. Free market capitalism, right? That's why companies that don't want to associate with bad actors don't advertise with platforms. And users who don't want to be around it don't use those platforms. Free Speech doesn't mean speech without consequence.
Ynotisay · M
@Pitchblue I hadn't heard that about the EU. Just checked it out. I think it's awesome.
Maybe because it's a U.S. company a lot of (foolish) people don't consider that it's reach extends around the world. As does Facebook. These are platforms that have been weaponized. Both by extremists and governments. Which is why all the horseshit around "Free Speech" is exactly that. Horseshit.
Maybe because it's a U.S. company a lot of (foolish) people don't consider that it's reach extends around the world. As does Facebook. These are platforms that have been weaponized. Both by extremists and governments. Which is why all the horseshit around "Free Speech" is exactly that. Horseshit.