Chi l'avrebbe mai detto. Despite the attempts to position “free speech” as a philosophical conviction, the reason for its popularity among tech firms is pure and simple – it is cheap. https://t.co/pTb4imnxio
— Michele Masneri (@michimas) August 12, 2024
The ex-Twitter executive Bruce Daisley has suggested that an arrest warrant for Elon Musk might be necessary to curb the tech billionaire’s tendency to stir unrest on social media. Daisley, who served as the most senior executive outside the US during much of Donald Trump’s presidency, highlights the difference between the US and UK approaches to free speech. In the UK, free expression comes with responsibilities, including not inciting criminality or spreading hatred.
“Elon Musk is essentially overtly siding with violent rioters over the UK state, flirting openly with the far right as he does so, and effectively daring anyone to do something about it.”
My latest for @theipaper.https://t.co/uNWuAYaQ5B
— James Ball (@jamesrbuk) August 12, 2024
Daisley points out how Twitter’s ethos under various regimes at its San Francisco headquarters often failed to recognize this nuance, leading to significant abuse and targeting of minority groups. Daisley discusses the darker side of unrestricted speech on social platforms, especially when certain user groups aggressively targeted others. He emphasizes that creating behavioral norms enabling polite discussion on social media is possible but requires substantial resources.
He calls for the government to hold platforms accountable, including requiring transparency on user safety efforts and staffing. Elon Musk’s erratic behavior and controversial postings are a central concern for Daisley.
"The way social media is making headlines currently is not without precedent: a fragile narcissist posting relentlessly on a social network he’s made his own. We know well how this has ended in the past; The assault on the Capitol on 6 January 2021." ~AAhttps://t.co/NuBwG25t36
— Best for Britain (@BestForBritain) August 13, 2024
Despite the philosophical framing around “free speech,” Daisley argues that the motivation for tech firms is largely economic rather than principled.
Daisley suggests strengthening laws to hold tech executives criminally liable for harm caused by their platforms. He also suggests enhancing the role of regulators like Ofcom to ensure they can keep pace with the fast-moving digital world. In sum, Daisley’s piece is a call to action, urging both government and tech companies to recognize the critical balance between free speech and responsibility.
Daisley calls for Musk’s accountability
As Musk continues to dominate the social media landscape, Daisley’s proposal aims to remind us that even the most powerful tech moguls should not be above the law. Labour MPs have begun quitting X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, over concerns about the spread of hate and disinformation.
One MP, Noah Law, has disabled his account, while others are examining alternatives like Threads and Bluesky. Elon Musk, who bought Twitter in 2022 and renamed it X, has been criticized for failing to crack down on misinformation. A former Twitter executive, Bruce Daisley, said Musk should face personal sanctions and even an arrest warrant if he continues to stir up public disorder online.
MPs have expressed their dissatisfaction with X, describing it as “a place of misery” and “a megaphone for foreign adversaries and far-right fringe groups.” Some have begun moving to alternative platforms due to the deterioration of X and the unchallenged misinformation and disinformation on the platform. The UK government has indicated that social media companies could face sanctions if they fail to take robust action against disinformation on their platforms. Meetings between government officials and social media executives are expected to address this issue.
Bluesky, the social network founded by Jack Dorsey, has seen a significant surge in signups in the UK amid the ongoing dispute between Elon Musk and the UK government over recent riots. Users dissatisfied with how major social media platforms handle content during such events are turning to alternatives like Bluesky, which touts decentralization and greater user control. This surge in interest comes as Elon Musk, CEO of X (formerly known as Twitter), has clashed publicly with government officials regarding statements and policies related to the riots.
The platform’s growth in popularity reflects users’ desire for alternatives during the current social media turmoil.
