Tesla CEO, Elon Musk is giving “serious thought” to launching a new social media platform prioritizing free speech.
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The idea is that the new platform would be transparent with its algorithms, prioritize free speech, and will keep propaganda to a minimum.
When asked on Twitter would he “consider building a new social media platform @elonmusk? One that would consist an open source algorithm, one where free speech and adhering to free speech is given top priority, one where propaganda is very minimal. I think that kind of a platform is needed,” Musk responded: “Am giving serious thought to this,” per report.
An informal poll was conducted by Musk on Twitter, which stated: “Free speech is essential to a functioning democracy. Do you believe Twitter rigorously adheres to this principle?”
Over 2 million people responded to the poll, and 70.4% of them said that Twitter did not adhere to the principle.
“The consequences of this poll will be important. Please vote carefully,” Musk added.
A few days later, Musk followed up on the poll, as he wrote: “Given that Twitter serves as the de facto public town square, failing to adhere to free speech principles fundamentally undermines democracy. What should be done?”
“Is a new platform needed?” asked Musk.
Mike Cernovich, a political commentator responded: “Buy Twitter. If you’re a leftist making death threats against conservatives. or organizing riots, Twitter respects your freedom of speech. Twitter also respects the freedom of speech for media hoaxes like when every major outlet framed an innocent Covington high school kid.”
Musk responded, “Doesn’t sound very balanced.”
And another informal poll was conducted by Musk on Twitter, in which he asked if “Twitter[’s] algorithm should be open source.”
82.7% of more than 1.1 million people who responded said: “Yes.”
“I’m worried about de facto bias in ‘the Twitter algorithm’ having a major effect on public discourse. How do we know what’s really happening?” Musk added.