The Rise of Global Censorship with Michael Shellenberger | 10.19.24
In this episode's summary of Morning Wire, Michael Shellenberger warns of a concerning global effort to increase online censorship. He highlights recent high-profile calls from influential figures like Bill Gates, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton advocating for more censorship of online speech and social media content they deem as "misinformation."
Shellenberger points to growing collaboration between NGOs, think tanks, political actors, and intelligence agencies across Western nations. He claims their goal is to establish a consistent global standard for censoring online content. While raising alarms about these coordinated pro-censorship campaigns, Shellenberger argues a global free speech movement is emerging to counter censorship and safeguard open expression on digital platforms.
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1-Page Summary
Calls for Increased Censorship
Prominent figures like Bill Gates, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton have recently made high-profile calls for greater censorship and regulation of online speech. Gates advocates for AI-powered censorship of "disfavored views," according to Michael Shellenberger. Kerry expresses frustration with the First Amendment's protection of misinformation. And Clinton suggests social media poses an obstacle to "total control," raising alarms about potential censorship increases.
A Global Censorship Effort
Shellenberger notes evidence of a globally coordinated strategy to establish streamlined censorship across Western democracies. This involves collaboration between actors in different nations, such as shared funding sources, similar tactics, and involvement of comparable organizations. The apparent goal is creating a global censorship standard that allows easy implementation by social media platforms internationally.
The Censorship Network
Behind these censorship campaigns lies a complex web of NGOs, think tanks, political actors, and even intelligence agencies. Michael Shellenberger highlights groups like the Cyber Threat Intelligence League collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security to execute censorship under the guise of combating "misinformation." Funders like George Soros back fact-checking NGOs that pressure social media companies to censor content.
Preserving Free Speech
Despite coordinated pro-censorship efforts, Shellenberger argues that the public maintains underlying support for free speech when framed properly. Highlighting government overreach and free speech's role in social movements can sway opinion against censorship.
A growing global free speech movement aims to counter rising censorship, exploring legislative solutions to protect user speech on online platforms. This movement seeks to safeguard free expression from undue interference or censorship.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- The globally coordinated strategy for censorship across Western democracies involves collaboration between different nations, shared funding sources, similar tactics, and comparable organizations. The goal is to establish a standardized approach to censorship that can be easily implemented by social media platforms worldwide. This coordination includes efforts to streamline censorship practices and ensure consistency in how online speech is regulated. The involvement of various actors such as NGOs, think tanks, political figures, and intelligence agencies contributes to the complexity of this censorship network.
- The collaboration between actors in different nations for censorship efforts involves shared funding sources, similar tactics, and the involvement of comparable organizations. This coordination aims to establish a global censorship standard that can be easily implemented by social media platforms worldwide. Various groups, including NGOs, think tanks, political actors, and intelligence agencies, work together to execute censorship strategies under the guise of combating misinformation. This network of actors forms a complex web that supports and promotes censorship initiatives on a global scale.
- NGOs, think tanks, political actors, and intelligence agencies play various roles in the censorship network. They collaborate to influence online speech regulation, often under the guise of combating misinformation. These entities may provide funding, research, or advocacy support to push for censorship measures. Their involvement can shape policies and strategies that impact freedom of expression on digital platforms.
- The public's support for free speech is maintained despite pro-censorship efforts by highlighting concerns about government overreach and emphasizing the importance of free speech in driving social change. By framing the debate around these key principles, individuals are reminded of the value of open discourse and the potential dangers of censorship. This approach helps sway public opinion against censorship by appealing to fundamental democratic values and the role of free speech in fostering diverse perspectives and progress.
- The global free speech movement is a collective effort aimed at protecting and promoting freedom of expression online. It involves advocating for legislative measures that ensure users can freely express their views on digital platforms without undue censorship. Strategies include raising awareness about the importance of free speech in social movements and pushing back against government and corporate overreach in regulating online content. The movement seeks to establish safeguards that uphold the principles of free speech in the face of increasing censorship challenges.
Counterarguments
- The advocacy for increased censorship by public figures may be rooted in concerns about the spread of harmful misinformation and the potential consequences for public health and safety.
- AI-powered censorship could be seen as an attempt to scale moderation efforts to deal with the vast amount of content online, rather than targeting "disfavored views."
- Frustration with the First Amendment might stem from the challenge of balancing free speech with the need to prevent the spread of false information that can have real-world consequences.
- Calls for control over social media could be interpreted as a desire for accountability and transparency in how information is disseminated, rather than a push for total control.
- A globally coordinated effort to establish censorship standards could also be viewed as an international collaboration to uphold digital safety and security standards.
- Shared funding and tactics among international actors might indicate a unified response to a common challenge of regulating online content, rather than a clandestine censorship campaign.
- The involvement of NGOs, think tanks, and government agencies in combating misinformation could be part of a broader initiative to protect democratic processes and public discourse.
- Financial support for fact-checking organizations may be intended to improve the quality of information online, rather than suppress certain viewpoints.
- Public support for free speech does not necessarily equate to opposition to all forms of content moderation, especially when it comes to hate speech, incitement to violence, or other illegal activities.
- Legislative solutions to protect user speech might also need to balance the protection of free expression with the responsibility to prevent harm caused by certain types of speech.
- The global free speech movement, while aiming to counter censorship, may also need to address the complexities of moderating content in a way that protects both freedom of expression and public well-being.
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Recent high-profile calls for censorship by prominent figures
Recent statements by prominent public figures have sparked intense debate surrounding the topic of censorship, freedom of speech, and government control over online platforms.
Calls for increased censorship and control
There have been notable appeals from figures like Bill Gates, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton for greater regulation of online speech.
Bill Gates for AI-powered Censorship
Michael Shellenberger notes a trend among ruling elites to regain control over media and discourse in response to the rise of the internet and social media. A significant development in this arena is Bill Gates' advocacy for AI-powered censorship. In a Netflix documentary, Gates called for the censorship of "disfavored views" on subjects such as COVID-19. He also discussed the prospect of censoring so-called "harassment," which could include actions as benign as mentioning his daughter. Georgia Howe references the documentary, emphasizing Gates's direct appeal for censorship.
John Kerry's Complaints about the First Amendment
John Kerry, who served as U.S. Secretary of State, publicly expressed frustration with the First Amendment. He lamented that what is often celebrated as a cornerstone of American democracy could be considered an obstacle in the fight against misinformation.
Hillary Clinton on Social Media ...
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Recent high-profile calls for censorship by prominent figures
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Counterarguments
- Concerns about the slippery slope of censorship and the potential for abuse when determining what constitutes "disfavored views" or "harassment."
- The importance of the First Amendment and how it serves as a fundamental protection against government overreach and the preservation of a free society.
- The role of social media as a platform for diverse voices and opinions, which can contribute to a healthy democracy by allowing for the exchange of ideas and debate.
- The potential for AI-powered censorship to inadvertently suppress legitimate discourse and the challenges in creating algorithms that can accurately distinguish between harmful content and free speech.
- The need for a nuanced approach to misinformation that respects free speech while addressing the spread of false information, rather than broad calls for increased regulation.
- The possibility that calls for more control over online speech could be driven by political motives rather than genuine concern for public discourse.
- The effectiveness of existing community guide ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your understanding of online speech regulation by creating a personal "freedom of speech" journal to track and reflect on instances where you encounter regulated speech online. Start by noting down any moments when you come across a censored post, a banned user, or a platform's content moderation notice. Reflect on how this makes you feel, whether it aligns with your understanding of free speech, and how it might affect the broader discourse. This personal record will give you a clearer picture of the current state of online speech and its impact on your own information consumption.
- Develop a habit of using diverse media sources to counteract potential biases introduced by regulated speech. Make a conscious effort to read articles, watch videos, and listen to podcasts from a wide range of perspectives, especially those that might not align with your own views. This practice can help you form a more balanced understanding of different issues and recognize the effects of censorship and content regulation on public opinion.
- Engage in conversations with friends and family about the imp ...
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The global and coordinated nature of the censorship movement across different countries
Shellenberger notes evidence of a global strategy aiming to streamline the process of censorship across multiple Western democracies, impacted by coordinated efforts involving shared tactics and organizations.
The push for censorship appears to be a globally coordinated effort, with similar tactics and organizations involved in pushing for censorship laws and policies across multiple Western democracies.
There are signs of collaboration and shared agendas at play in the international movement for stricter censorship. This includes shared funding sources, similar tactics being employed, and the involvement of comparable organizations in various countries.
There are indications of collaboration and coordination between actors in different countries, such as shared funding sources, tactics, and involvement of similar organizations.
The movement towards a more systemic censorship framework suggests a level of coordination that involves multiple actors across different nations working together for common goals.
The goal seems to be establishing a global standard for censorship that social media companies can easily implement across borders, rather than having to adhere to ...
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The global and coordinated nature of the censorship movement across different countries
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Counterarguments
- The idea of a globally coordinated censorship movement may overstate the level of collaboration; different countries have unique legal and cultural contexts that shape their approach to censorship.
- The presence of similar tactics and organizations does not necessarily imply a coordinated effort; it could be a convergence of independent responses to similar global challenges like misinformation or hate speech.
- Shared funding sources might reflect a common concern among funders about the spread of harmful content rather than a coordinated effort to impose censorship.
- The push for a global standard for censorship could be interpreted as an effort to protect freedom of expression by creating clear and consistent rules, rather than an attempt to limit speech.
- The involvement of similar organizations in various countries might be due to the global nature of the internet and the expertise these organizations have, rather than a concerted effort to synchronize censorship policies.
- The goal of e ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your digital literacy by learning how to identify potential censorship indicators on social media platforms. Start by observing patterns in content removal or account suspensions and compare these across different countries. This will give you a better understanding of how global standards might be influencing local moderation practices.
- Develop a habit of using multiple social media platforms, including those based in different countries, to diversify your information sources. This approach helps you to see how different communities and platforms handle content moderation, giving you a broader perspective on the global censorship landscape ...
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The underlying strategies, funding, and actors behind the censorship campaigns
The conversation reveals that censorship campaigns are sophisticated, with various organizations and individuals involved. There stands a complex network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, political figures, and intelligence agencies driving these efforts. Often these entities have interconnected funding sources.
The Censorship Nexus: NGOs, Think Tanks, and Funders
The censorship efforts appear to be driven by a network that includes NGOs, think tanks, political figures, and even intelligence or security agencies.
Funded Fact-Checking as a Facade for Censorship
Entities such as the Cyber Threat Intelligence League align with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to execute censorship operations. The conversation signals that these groups fund "fact-checking" organizations, which subsequently provide justification for social media companies to suppress content under the fight against "misinformation." George Soros, Pierre Omidyar, and Craig Newmark are identified by Shellenberger as some of the funders behind these fact-checking NGOs, which exert pressure for mo ...
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The underlying strategies, funding, and actors behind the censorship campaigns
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Counterarguments
- NGOs and think tanks often operate with a mandate to promote transparency and accountability, which can sometimes involve supporting fact-checking initiatives that are not inherently about censorship but about ensuring the accuracy of public information.
- The term "deep state" is often used pejoratively and can be seen as a conspiratorial term that lacks a clear definition, which undermines the credibility of arguments that rely on its existence.
- Fact-checking organizations can be independent entities that strive for impartiality and do not necessarily suppress content but provide context and corrections to misinformation.
- The involvement of former intelligence officials in social media oversight does not inherently imply censorship but could be part of efforts to secure platforms against disinformation and foreign interference.
- Funding from philanthropists like George Soros, Pierre Omidyar, and ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your media literacy by researching the funding and affiliations of information sources. Start by looking at the websites of news outlets and fact-checking organizations to find their funding information and board members. Then, cross-reference these names with databases that track political contributions and affiliations to understand potential biases.
- Develop a habit of using multiple fact-checking tools for any controversial or significant news item you come across. Instead of relying on a single source, use a variety of fact-checking websites and tools to compare how different organizations interpret the same information. This can help you see patterns of consensus or discrepancy among the fact-checkers.
- Create a personal "transparency report" on your social me ...
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The battle to preserve free speech and build a countermovement
Michael Shellenberger takes a closer look at the current landscape of free speech and the public's nuanced views on government censorship.
Despite the coordinated censorship push, there remains strong public support for free speech, even if people may initially support censorship when framed as fighting "misinformation" or "hate speech".
Shellenberger explains that while a significant majority of the public might initially support government censorship efforts if they're presented as a means to combat misinformation and hate speech, there are underlying strong feelings of support for free speech. By re-framing the issue to emphasize the dangers of government overreach and the historical importance of free speech for social movements, public opinion can be swayed towards free speech advocacy.
Shellenberger indicates that when questions are posed to highlight the potential for governments to abuse censorship powers for political reasons, people begin to show apprehension toward censorship and a preference for protecting free speech. His approach suggests that framing the argument accurately is crucial in revealing and strengthening people’s foundational support for free speech over censorship.
Carefully framing the issue to highlight the dangers of government overreach and the historical importance of free speech for social movements can help sway public opinion.
Shellenberger further argues that educating the public on the consequences of government overreach and the importance that free speech has played in the development of social movements can be instrumental in building public opinion against widespread censorshi ...
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The battle to preserve free speech and build a countermovement
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Clarifications
- The term "censorship industrial complex" describes a network of entities, including governments, corporations, and other organizations, that work together to control or restrict information flow. It suggests a systematic and coordinated effort to regulate speech and content, often raising concerns about the concentration of power and influence in shaping public discourse. This concept highlights the complex interplay between various actors involved in censorship activities, emphasizing the potential impact on freedom of expression and access to diverse viewpoints. The term implies a structured and organized approach to censorship that goes beyond individual actions, indicating a broader system or infrastructure dedicated to controlling information dissemination.
- The potential legislative solutions for content moderation policies mentioned in the text could involve creating laws that mandate platforms to implement moderation practices that protect legal user-generated content. These solutions aim to strike a balance between preventing harmful content while safeguarding free speech rights. The focus is on ensuring that platforms do not overreach in their moderation efforts, respecting users' rights to express ...
Counterarguments
- Public support for free speech is complex, and some may argue that it can waver when free speech is perceived to conflict with other values like safety and security.
- The effectiveness of re-framing the issue around government overreach may not always sway public opinion, as some individuals may trust the government's judgment on censorship for the greater good.
- Education on the dangers of government overreach might not be sufficient to build a countermovement if the public perceives that free speech is being used to justify harmful or dangerous speech.
- A global free speech movement could face c ...
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1-Page Summary- Recent high-profile calls for censorship by prominent figures
- The global and coordinated nature of the censorship movement across different countries
- The underlying strategies, funding, and actors behind the censorship campaigns
- The battle to preserve free speech and build a countermovement
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