This is only a slightly more exaggerated version of what's going on in Canada: >Cabinet would appoint a chief censor, called the Digital Safety Commissioner, t

This is only a slightly more exaggerated version of what's going on in Canada: >Cabinet would appoint a chief censor, called the Digital Safety Commissioner, to provide “advice on content moderation” and issue compliance orders on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other service providers under threat of $25 million fines. >Censored content was not defined but anonymous complainants could trigger an investigation over websites deemed to “distort the free exchange of ideas by discrediting or silencing targeted voices” or “threaten national security, the rule of law and democratic institutions,” wrote staff. >The Safety Commissioner would be empowered to block websites or “make the content inaccessible” in Canada. Their justification for this? It might hurt the feelings of public officials: >“We have seen too many examples of public officials retreating from public service due to the hateful online content targeted towards themselves or even their families,” said Guilbeault. >“I have seen firsthand alongside other Canadians the damaging effects harmful content has on our families, our values and our institutions.” >Guilbeault in January 29 testimony at the Commons heritage committee went further in suggesting prohibited content should include hurtful criticism of federal institutions. >“Canada has a world-renowned public service and it’s integral that we don’t attack them,” he said. It's an alarming attack on freedom of expression that obviously isn't unique to Canada. We may be in for some dark times as we rediscover why democracy cannot work without free speech.