Free Speech, Period - Elon Musk Fights Censorship!

Elon Musk pondering at event. Source: (Creative Commons License).

With the news of Elon Musk executing his Twitter takeover, many people have been wondering what effect he will have on the social media platform. With all the decision-making power that would come if the buyout is a success, it is understandable that Twitter users be concerned about what effect Musk will have on the micro-blogging site.

At the center of the discussion is whether Musk will try to influence Twitter's position on free speech. He drew a lot of attention to the issue by setting up a poll asking Twitter users if they believed the social media platform rigorously adhered to the principle of free speech. More than two million people voted, with "No" being the majority.

Free speech is essential to a functioning democracy.

Do you believe Twitter rigorously adheres to this principle?

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 25, 2022

Meanwhile, what does Musk himself think of free speech? The billionaire CEO has demonstrated his stance on Twitter itself.

When Russia began invading Ukraine earlier this year, Musk was beseeched by the Ukrainian government for Starlink satellite internet. The purpose was to keep the country connected after the Russian army started targeting the country's critical infrastructure. Musk obliged and followed up by sending truckloads of receiving dishes to Ukraine.

However, some countries felt Musk could do more. Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube were already restricting access to some Russian affiliated outlets in Europe. Given he was fully in charge of Starlink, Musk was asked to follow suit to limit the reach of speech by the Russian government.

Musk's response was an emphatic no. He posted on Twitter;

"Starlink has been told by some governments (not Ukraine) to block Russian news sources. We will not do so unless at gunpoint. Sorry to be a free speech absolutist.

Starlink has been told by some governments (not Ukraine) to block Russian news sources. We will not do so unless at gunpoint.

Sorry to be a free speech absolutist.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 5, 2022

 Given he was fully in charge of Starlink, Musk was asked to follow suit to limit the reach of speech by the Russian government. Musk's response was an emphatic no.

Musk was more than willing to assist in the preservation of free speech for Ukraine but completely unwilling to restrict the free speech of Russia. While Musk's stand in the case above is debatable as to its practicality or adverse effects, there is no doubt that he supports freedom of speech.