Musk wants free speech on Twitter after spending years silencing critics


In his tweets, public remarks and policies at the businesses he runs, Musk shows little tolerance for speech that’s unflattering to him or his companies, or reflects employee criticism of the workplace. — AFP

If Elon Musk is able to take over Twitter Inc, his biggest promise is to transform it into a platform for free speech with few restrictions – something he calls “essential to a functioning democracy”. But Musk, who is famously sensitive to criticism, has a mixed record on championing the cause.

The 50-year-old billionaire has donated over US$6mil (RM25,84mil) to the American Civil Liberties Union in the last five years, making him one of its most substantial donors, and he’s discussed free speech on numerous occasions with the organisation’s executive director. But in his tweets, public remarks and policies at the businesses he runs, Musk shows little tolerance for speech that’s unflattering to him or his companies, or reflects employee criticism of the workplace.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Tech News

Waymo discusses raising billions at over $100 billion valuation, the Information reports
Hacking group ‘ShinyHunters’ threatens to expose premium users of sex site Pornhub
X Corp sues social media startup over bid to claim 'Twitter' brand
US threatens countermeasures after EU fine on Musk's X
Bank of Canada wants stablecoins to be backed by high-quality liquid assets
Factbox-From trend to mainstay: AI to cement its place at the core of 2026 investment strategies
Data and AI firm Databricks valued at $134 billion in latest funding round
Business leaders agree AI is the future. They just wish it worked right now
Review: Defend a moving city in 'Monsters Are Coming' for PC and Xbox
Chip crunch to curb smartphone output in 2026, researcher says

Others Also Read