"Free-speech absolutist" Elon Musk is buying Twitter

"Free-speech absolutist" Elon Musk is buying Twitter

29.04.2022 - Categories:

Will today mark the new era for social media? Elon Musk, self-described as a “free-speech absolutist,” is buying Twitter for $44 billion. Conservatives rejoice; “This is a great day to be conservative on Twitter,” so Marsha Blackburn, a Republican politician from Tennessee. A large part of the global community is concerned about how far Musk would go with free speech. Would it be allowed to spread provenly wrong information, such as conspiracy theories?


“Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated,” said Musk in the deal announcement. Apart from the softening of the content moderation, the billionaire plans to introduce new features and reduce bot activity.


Interestingly, Musk is not always consistent with his “free speech absolutism.” He is famous for blocking people who criticize Musk’s persona or creations on his Twitter account. Furthermore, people who work for Musk are not always allowed free speech. He prohibited laid-off employees from disclosing details of separation agreements from everyone except the affected employee’s lawyer, accountant, and immediate family.


What do you think about Musk acquiring Twitter?