Posted on 04/27/2022 11:58:42 AM PDT by Red Badger
The UK on Tuesday threatened to ban Twitter altogether and potentially jail Elon Musk if he violates their incoming "Online Safety Bill" by allowing free speech on his platform.
The move came just hours after the EU threatened to ban Twitter entirely if Musk allows free speech on the platform and the US threatened to "reform" Section 230 to hold social media companies "accountable" for the "harms they cause."
From CNBC: Britain's Online Safety Bill would make it mandatory for social media services to tackle both illegal posts as well as material that is "legal but harmful," a vague definition that has attracted criticism from some in the tech industry over concerns that it may stifle free speech.
"Twitter and all social media platforms must protect their users from harm on their sites," a U.K. government spokesperson told CNBC.
"We are introducing new online safety laws to safeguard children, prevent abusive behaviour and protect free speech," the spokesperson said. "All tech firms with users in the U.K. will need to comply with the new laws or face hefty fines and having their sites blocked."
The stakes for platforms like Twitter would be even higher under the Online Safety Bill, which threatens jail time for company executives for serious violations, as well as penalties of up to 10% of annual global sales.
The legislation, which is yet to be approved by U.K. lawmakers, is expected to become law later this year. Musk said earlier in the day after the EU's threats were issued that, "The extreme antibody reaction from those who fear free speech says it all."
"By 'free speech', I simply mean that which matches the law. I am against censorship that goes far beyond the law. If people want less free speech, they will ask government to pass laws to that effect. Therefore, going beyond the law is contrary to the will of the people," Musk said.
It's truly remarkable how these Western regimes will condemn China and Russia for cracking down on dissent while they actively wage total war against free speech and free expression in their own countries against their own subjects.
I think it’s part of their DNA...................
The UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other former colonial slave pits, are just as bad as China and the Soviet Union when it comes to liberty and freedom................................
Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland should refute the Crown and become their own nations........................again.................
It’s the ‘Royal’ effect....................
And why the UK’s Deep State helped ours install the POTATUS...
The only thing Government ever protects is itself..................
I wasn’t familiar with Mr. Stiglich’s work...
https://www.northsidesun.com/taxonomy/term/1799
He’s a good ‘un!
Amen, brother.
They did it to Assange. They would do it to Musk.
We are in lockstep with UK, Canada, and Australia, they just have fewer people to enslave. It takes longer to press the boot on more necks.
When they speak of protecting kids? They mean they are keeping out any speech that does not promote LGBGTQXYZ.
Article 35 Citizens of the People's Republic of China shall enjoy freedom of speech, the press, assembly, association, procession and demonstration.
My point being that every regime claims to stand for and protect freedom. I don't think any regime practices what it preaches.
Proposed Digital Services Act - amending Directive 2000/31/EC
They all claim to promote free speech, then proceed to carve "speech" in the "free" part and the "regulated/forbiden" part. Everybody gets all the free speech the government allows. What could be more free than that?
“Free Speech” is whatever the Government says it is....................😒
Absolutely they should, but they’re all addicted to the welfare of the state.
They are not. Whoever claims that is a liar. They are clearly public forums.
Here is a discussion of the most recent and relevant ruling by a US Court of Appeals:
Courts are garbage. They have long ago lost any credibility they might have, and I have absolutely no interest in reading an argument based on the opinion of some mucked up court somewhere.
Argue first principles, not "argumentum ad vericundiam."
Courts don't even know the difference between men and women. They are idiots, and we should mock them.
I posted links to recent court rulings which define the legal distinction between a private and public forum. You and I may disagree with the courts’ decisions, but that does not change the legal status of Twitter or YouTube or, to bring things closer to home, Free Republic.
“They are not. Whoever claims that is a liar. They are clearly public forums.”
Not from the standpoint of the protections of speech afforded by the First Amendment. The case law on this is remarkably consistent and goes back to the early 19th Century.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.