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On the other hand, Twitter also has a right to free speech. They're perfectly within their rights to promote their own opinions or viewpoints. I would assume th
by lmkg 9y ago
On the other hand, Twitter also has a right to free speech. They're perfectly within their rights to promote their own opinions or viewpoints. I would assume that also includes the right to selectively amplify the voices of other based on agreeing with their viewpoints.
Because Twitter is a platform for the communication of others, they find themselves in an ironic situation: adhering to the principle of free speech means giving up, or at least severely restricting, their own ability to exercise that right. I think it would be noble of them to accept that restriction voluntarily, but it would be problematic if it were required of them.
- marcoperaza 9y agoYou make it seem like you disagree with the person you’re replying to. But don’t you see? You agree with him. That exactly what he’s saying: what Twitter legally can do is different than what they should do.
- lmkg 9y agoIt sounds like I'm disagreeing with the person because I'm disagreeing with the person. I don't think that what Twitter can do and what they should do are at variance, because I don't think Twitter has a moral obligation to allow others freedom of expression on their tool. Even if Twitter wanted to promote freedom of expression, there's an inherent contradiction between allowing others to express their opinion and them expressing their own opinion. I think someone whose promotion of freedom of expression involves denying themselves that same freedom is sending a mixed message. Because their support of the principle would have those reservations, they don't have an obligation to provide it.
- ImSkeptical 9y agoI don't really think you're disagreeing. If Twitter wants to promote free expression, which I would think of as supporting the ideal of free speech, then they shouldn't ban Trump. If Twitter wants to ban Trump then they are in conflict with the ideal of free speech, or in your terms they aren't promoting freedom of expression by banning Trump. Twitter has claimed in their own promotional material to support free expression, so it may be a bit disingenuous for you to suggest they may not want to promote free expression.