Questioning Freedom Of Speech On Twitter, Elon Musk Has An Idea For A New Social Media

Elon Musk, owner of Tesla, is it possible to create social media? (photo: twitter @elonmusk)

JAKARTA - Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk has a "serious idea" to build a new social media platform. This was revealed by the richest man in the world in a tweet on his Twitter account on Saturday, March 26.

Musk was responding to a Twitter user's question about whether he would consider building a social media platform consisting of open-source algorithms and one that would prioritize free speech, and where propaganda is minimal.

Musk, a prolific Twitter user, has been criticizing the social media platform and its policies of late. He said the company was undermining democracy by failing to adhere to the principles of free speech.

“Freedom of speech is essential for a functioning democracy. Are you sure Twitter strictly adheres to these principles?” Musk tweeted on March 25.

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? https://t.co/aPS9ycji37

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 26, 2022

His tweet came a day after he issued a Twitter poll asking users whether they believed Twitter adhered to the free speech principle, with more than 70% voting "no".

"The consequences of this poll will be important. Please vote carefully," he said Friday.

If Musk decides to continue creating new platforms, he will join a growing portfolio of tech companies that position themselves as champions of free speech and who hope to attract users who feel their views are being suppressed on platforms like Twitter, Meta Platform's Facebook, and Google's YouTube. Alphabet. Read more

Neither of these companies, including Donald Trump's Truth Social, and Twitter competitors Gettr and Parler and video site Rumble, have come close to matching the reach and popularity of mainstream platforms so far.

Perhaps Musk's entry into the social media business will make a significant difference to his reach and influence on social media.