The FCC is a weapon in Trump's war on free speech
(theverge.com)
Brendan Carr’s mission to trash the First Amendment.
Brendan Carr’s mission to trash the First Amendment.
Copyright Is a Civil Liberties Nightmare
(eff.org)
If you’ve got lawyers and a copyright, the law gives you tremendous power to silence speech you don’t like.
If you’ve got lawyers and a copyright, the law gives you tremendous power to silence speech you don’t like.
Ask HN: Has anyone else noticed posts critical of Musk being flagged?
(ycombinator.com)
Over the last several days I've seen several examples of completely comment-worthy, rational posts that have pointed out criticism of Elon Musk's conduct from other sources or criticized it themselves getting flagged very quickly.
Over the last several days I've seen several examples of completely comment-worthy, rational posts that have pointed out criticism of Elon Musk's conduct from other sources or criticized it themselves getting flagged very quickly.
Platforms systematically removed a user because he made "most wanted CEO" cards
(eff.org)
On December 14, James Harr, the owner of an online store called ComradeWorkwear, announced on social media that he planned to sell a deck of “Most Wanted CEO” playing cards, satirizing the infamous “Most-wanted Iraqi playing cards” introduced by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency in 2003.
On December 14, James Harr, the owner of an online store called ComradeWorkwear, announced on social media that he planned to sell a deck of “Most Wanted CEO” playing cards, satirizing the infamous “Most-wanted Iraqi playing cards” introduced by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency in 2003.
Free Our Feeds
(freeourfeeds.com)
With Zuckerberg going full Musk last week, we can no longer let billionaires control our digital public square.
With Zuckerberg going full Musk last week, we can no longer let billionaires control our digital public square.
Leaked Meta Rules: Users Are Free to Post "Mexican Immigrants Are Trash"
(theintercept.com)
Meta is now granting its users new freedom to post a wide array of derogatory remarks about races, nationalities, ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and gender identities, training materials obtained by The Intercept reveal.
Meta is now granting its users new freedom to post a wide array of derogatory remarks about races, nationalities, ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and gender identities, training materials obtained by The Intercept reveal.
Meta Now Lets Users Say Gay and Trans People Have 'Mental Illness'
(wired.com)
Meta announced a series of major updates to its content moderation policies today, including ending its fact-checking partnerships and “getting rid” of restrictions on speech about “topics like immigration, gender identity and gender” that the company describes as frequent subjects of political discourse and debate.
Meta announced a series of major updates to its content moderation policies today, including ending its fact-checking partnerships and “getting rid” of restrictions on speech about “topics like immigration, gender identity and gender” that the company describes as frequent subjects of political discourse and debate.
Mark Zuckerberg: Fact-checking on Meta is too "politically biased"
(hollywoodreporter.com)
Meta Platforms Inc. is making major changes to its content moderation policies, eliminating its fact-checking program and bringing more political conversations back to feeds on Facebook and Instagram, as part of a bid by CEO Mark Zuckerberg to “restore free expression” on its platforms.
Meta Platforms Inc. is making major changes to its content moderation policies, eliminating its fact-checking program and bringing more political conversations back to feeds on Facebook and Instagram, as part of a bid by CEO Mark Zuckerberg to “restore free expression” on its platforms.
Pressure mounts on EU to use legal weapons against Musk's interference
(politico.eu)
Elon Musk’s decision to host German far-right leader Alice Weidel in a livestream on X is sparking fury from European Union leaders and lawmakers, who on Monday urged Brussels to deploy its full legal might to rein in the billionaire tech magnate.
Elon Musk’s decision to host German far-right leader Alice Weidel in a livestream on X is sparking fury from European Union leaders and lawmakers, who on Monday urged Brussels to deploy its full legal might to rein in the billionaire tech magnate.
I'm quitting the Washington Post
(anntelnaes.substack.com)
I’ve worked for the Washington Post since 2008 as an editorial cartoonist. I have had editorial feedback and productive conversations—and some differences—about cartoons I have submitted for publication, but in all that time I’ve never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now.
I’ve worked for the Washington Post since 2008 as an editorial cartoonist. I have had editorial feedback and productive conversations—and some differences—about cartoons I have submitted for publication, but in all that time I’ve never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now.
Elon Musk and the right's war on Wikipedia
(citationneeded.news)
The world's richest man has joined a growing chorus of right-wing voices attacking Wikipedia as part of an intensifying campaign against free and open access information.
The world's richest man has joined a growing chorus of right-wing voices attacking Wikipedia as part of an intensifying campaign against free and open access information.
The huge stakes for free speech in a new Supreme Court case about porn
(vox.com)
Texas asks the justices to abandon longstanding First Amendment protections for sexual speech.
Texas asks the justices to abandon longstanding First Amendment protections for sexual speech.
'Free Speech Absolutist' Elon Musk Suspends Critics, Asks People to Be Nicer
(techdirt.com)
The inevitable has happened and Elon has started banning and suppressing the speech of folks who were “on his team,” leading to many suddenly realizing that maybe he wasn’t such a free speech supporter after all.
The inevitable has happened and Elon has started banning and suppressing the speech of folks who were “on his team,” leading to many suddenly realizing that maybe he wasn’t such a free speech supporter after all.
Elon Musk Takes Aim at Wikipedia
(newsweek.com)
Elon Musk has urged his followers not to donate to Wikipedia, which he branded "Wokepedia," until "they restore balance to their editing authority."
Elon Musk has urged his followers not to donate to Wikipedia, which he branded "Wokepedia," until "they restore balance to their editing authority."
Bluesky Has a Death Threat Problem
(thefp.com)
Recently, like a lot of journalists, I joined Bluesky, a social media platform that is enjoying a burst of postelection growth and positive press attention. It’s been lauded as a “kinder, gentler”—and, perhaps most importantly, more left-wing—alternative to X, which is increasingly seen as infested with what a Bluesky user might call “MAGA chuds.”
Recently, like a lot of journalists, I joined Bluesky, a social media platform that is enjoying a burst of postelection growth and positive press attention. It’s been lauded as a “kinder, gentler”—and, perhaps most importantly, more left-wing—alternative to X, which is increasingly seen as infested with what a Bluesky user might call “MAGA chuds.”
Substack Is at It Again
(kottke.org)
Marisa Kabas correctly asserts that Substack’s latest announcement reaffirms their status as a publication (and not a platform) and as a place that will publish disinformation and hate under the guise of “free speech”.
Marisa Kabas correctly asserts that Substack’s latest announcement reaffirms their status as a publication (and not a platform) and as a place that will publish disinformation and hate under the guise of “free speech”.
Blumenthal's Hypocrisy: Praising Musk's 'Free Speech' Support for Censorial KOSA
(techdirt.com)
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal: "Elon Musk is the champion among big tech executives of 1st Amendment values and principles"
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal: "Elon Musk is the champion among big tech executives of 1st Amendment values and principles"
Last-Minute Update to the Kids Online Safety Act Still Fails to Protect Kids
(eff.org)
Late last week, the Senate released yet another version of the Kids Online Safety Act, written, reportedly, with the assistance of X CEO Linda Yaccarino in a flawed attempt to address the critical free speech issues inherent in the bill.
Late last week, the Senate released yet another version of the Kids Online Safety Act, written, reportedly, with the assistance of X CEO Linda Yaccarino in a flawed attempt to address the critical free speech issues inherent in the bill.
GOP FTC Commissioners Push For Government To Block Moderation Of Online Speech
(techdirt.com)
In a disturbing (if unsurprising) trend, Republican FCC and FTC commissioners are deliberately misusing “free speech” rhetoric in an Orwellian attempt to justify government intervention to control and suppress online speech.
In a disturbing (if unsurprising) trend, Republican FCC and FTC commissioners are deliberately misusing “free speech” rhetoric in an Orwellian attempt to justify government intervention to control and suppress online speech.
This Bill Could Put A Stop To Censorship By Lawsuit
(eff.org)
For years now, deep-pocketed individuals and corporations have been turning to civil lawsuits to silence their opponents. These Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, or SLAPPs, aren’t designed to win on the merits, but rather to harass journalists, activists, and consumers into silence by suing them over their protected speech. While 34 states have laws to protect against these abuses, there is still no protection at a federal level.
For years now, deep-pocketed individuals and corporations have been turning to civil lawsuits to silence their opponents. These Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, or SLAPPs, aren’t designed to win on the merits, but rather to harass journalists, activists, and consumers into silence by suing them over their protected speech. While 34 states have laws to protect against these abuses, there is still no protection at a federal level.
Brendan Carr Makes It Clear That He's Eager to Be America's Top Censor
(techdirt.com)
When Donald Trump announced that he was appointing current FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to be the next chair of the FCC, it was no surprise. Nor was it a surprise that Trump tried to play up that Carr was a “warrior for free speech.”
When Donald Trump announced that he was appointing current FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to be the next chair of the FCC, it was no surprise. Nor was it a surprise that Trump tried to play up that Carr was a “warrior for free speech.”
Elon Musk admits that X is strangling connections – effectively limiting people
(mediaite.com)
Elon Musk confirmed that posts containing links in their main text are deprioritized on X in a revelation that renews criticism that the platform is restricting the visibility of and access to external sources of information.
Elon Musk confirmed that posts containing links in their main text are deprioritized on X in a revelation that renews criticism that the platform is restricting the visibility of and access to external sources of information.
Texas AG Declares War on Advertisers Who Snub Musk's ExTwitter
(techdirt.com)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton loves to preach about “free speech” and “free markets”—except, apparently, when it comes to his political allies.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton loves to preach about “free speech” and “free markets”—except, apparently, when it comes to his political allies.
Marc Andreessen Demands Criminal Charges for Advertisers' Free Market Decisions
(techdirt.com)
Marc Andreessen, the influential venture capitalist, is exhibiting a startling disconnect between his stated beliefs in free markets and free speech, and his recent authoritarian threats against those who disagree with him.
Marc Andreessen, the influential venture capitalist, is exhibiting a startling disconnect between his stated beliefs in free markets and free speech, and his recent authoritarian threats against those who disagree with him.
Threads Bans Anyone for Mentioning Hitler, Even to Criticize
(techdirt.com)
Quick test: should saying “Hitler, not a good guy” cause you to be banned from your social media account? Seems simple enough. But apparently not for Meta, the largest social media company on the planet.
Quick test: should saying “Hitler, not a good guy” cause you to be banned from your social media account? Seems simple enough. But apparently not for Meta, the largest social media company on the planet.
No, Section 230 Doesn't 'Circumvent' the First Amendment
(techdirt.com)
When it comes to Section 230, we’ve seen a parade of embarrassingly wrong takes over the years, all sharing one consistent theme: the authors confidently opine on the law despite clearly not understanding it.
When it comes to Section 230, we’ve seen a parade of embarrassingly wrong takes over the years, all sharing one consistent theme: the authors confidently opine on the law despite clearly not understanding it.