Summary:

Concerns About Social Media: The author draws parallels between concerns that led to discussions about banning TikTok in the U.S. and the current state of X (formerly Twitter).

X as a Threat: The author argues that X, under Elon Musk’s ownership, poses a threat to Canadian democracy.

Increased Racism and Misinformation: The platform is described as having become more racist and a source of increasing misinformation since Musk’s acquisition.

Content Moderation: Musk’s leadership is criticized for gutting content moderation, unbanning alt-right figures, and turning the platform into a partisan propaganda machine.

“Free Speech Absolutism”: Musk’s defense of his actions using “free speech absolutism” is dismissed as untenable.

Canadian Law: Canadian freedom of expression law is noted to be more robust than that of the U.S., allowing for reasonable limits on speech.

Foreign Influence: The author suggests that X’s current conduct would not be tolerated if it were aligned with a government like China.

Musk and Trump: Musk’s close ties to Donald Trump and the potential for pro-Trump propaganda targeting Canadian voters are highlighted as a specific threat.

Echoes of the Broadcasting Act: The author draws a parallel to the Broadcasting Act of 1958, which restricted foreign ownership of broadcasters to protect Canadian discourse.

Message to Social Media Companies: Banning X would send a message to other social media companies about their responsibilities to Canadians.

Call to Action: The author urges the current Prime Minister to ban X before the next election.

Trump’s annexation comments: Notes Trump’s comments about annexing Canada.

X as an Anti-Canadian Propaganda Machine: Concludes that X should be treated as a real threat.

  • IninewCrow@lemmy.ca
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    2 days ago

    This would be like if Canada got rid of all national newspapers, news broadcasters and news organizations and instead handed the responsibility of delivering the news to the people of Canada to one company owned by one billionaire who isn’t even Canadian.

    We would never allow that to happen … but the fact that X exists and has so much power over people … we essentially made this possible.