Following TikTok’s return to the U.S., searches for content critical of Donald Trump are being suppressed for American users, yielding “no results found” messages. This censorship, confirmed via VPN comparisons with searches conducted outside the U.S., affects terms like “rigged election” and “fascism,” while searches with misspellings or targeting other political figures produce results. Users report similar restrictions on other platforms, sparking concerns about political bias and free speech limitations, with TikTok yet to publicly address these allegations. The widespread nature of these restrictions has led to significant user outrage and accusations that the platform has become a tool for propaganda.
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Following their initial suspension for reporting on the identity of Adrian Dittmann, X researchers Ryan Fae and maia arson crimew were instructed to delete further posts mentioning Dittmann. This second wave of deletions targeted posts with minimal or no direct reference to Dittmann, including those simply referencing the original article revealing his identity. Crimew, after deleting the flagged posts, had their account reinstated, while Fae and Jacqueline Sweet, the journalist who initially broke the story, remain suspended and have refused to comply with X’s demands. This inconsistent application of X’s policies has sparked criticism regarding censorship and the platform’s commitment to free speech.
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Following the 2020 election, numerous corporations and wealthy donors suspended contributions to Trump-aligned causes. Despite many resuming donations, Trump maintains a list of those who did not, leveraging his continued fundraising success to reward loyalists and pressure former contributors. This financial power allows him to influence Republican politics, act as a kingmaker, and potentially deter opposition to his agenda. His message emphasizes his continued success despite the lack of support from these entities.
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China’s reported consideration of selling TikTok’s US operations to Elon Musk has sparked a firestorm of online reactions, ranging from outright panic to cynical resignation. The sheer notion of Musk, already controlling Twitter, gaining access to TikTok’s massive user base fuels deep anxieties about the future of online discourse and information control. Many fear a consolidation of power, leading to a drastically altered, potentially authoritarian-leaning online narrative.
The potential deal is viewed by many as a dangerous step towards a dystopian future, mirroring concerns about unchecked power and the suppression of dissenting voices. The idea that one individual could control such a significant portion of online communication channels is deeply unsettling, especially given Musk’s publicly expressed political views and his history of controversial decisions at Twitter.… Continue reading
The Supreme Court is considering a case challenging a law mandating TikTok’s sale due to national security concerns, with arguments focusing on free speech versus national security. President Trump, despite previously supporting a ban, now urges a delay to allow for a political resolution, a highly unusual intervention. TikTok argues the law violates free speech and that a shutdown would severely harm users and the platform. The court must decide on the appropriate level of legal review, with a strict scrutiny standard likely leading to the law’s invalidation.
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In a recent video announcement, Mark Zuckerberg outlined sweeping policy changes for Facebook and Instagram, prioritizing free speech and pledging to collaborate with Donald Trump against censorship. These changes include eliminating third-party fact-checkers and relaxing restrictions on topics like immigration and gender. Zuckerberg, now the world’s third-richest person, made the announcement while wearing a nearly $900,000 Greubel Forsey watch, highlighting a recent shift in his personal style towards luxury goods. Meta did not comment on the announcement.
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The independently financed film “The Apprentice,” a Donald Trump origin story, has been largely ignored by Hollywood despite positive reviews and its timely relevance. Stars Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan, who play Roy Cohn and Trump respectively, have criticized their colleagues for shunning the film, citing concerns about free speech and the industry’s selective engagement with political issues. This silence contrasts sharply with Hollywood’s vocal opposition to Trump during previous elections, suggesting a potential shift in the industry’s approach to political activism or a recognition of its diminishing influence. The film’s reception reflects a broader trend of Hollywood’s reduced political engagement since Trump’s election, leaving some to question whether this is a temporary lull or a more permanent change.
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The Supreme Court will hear *Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton*, a case concerning a Texas law requiring age verification for online pornography. This law is nearly identical to a federal law struck down in *Ashcroft v. ACLU*, which the Fifth Circuit Court defied by upholding the Texas law despite the precedent. While Texas argues for modifying First Amendment protections regarding pornography, it also suggests the existence of privacy-preserving age-verification technology that could justify such laws. A ruling could either reaffirm existing precedents or significantly alter the balance between protecting minors and adult access to sexual content.
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Laura Loomer, a prominent Trump ally, recently voiced a surprising observation about Elon Musk: nobody wants to cross him. This statement, seemingly simple on the surface, reveals a complex interplay of power, money, and influence within the current political landscape. It highlights the perceived invincibility of a tech billionaire who wields considerable control over a major communication platform.
Loomer’s comment implicitly acknowledges Musk’s immense power. The implication is that fear of retaliation, perhaps in the form of censorship or other forms of reprisal, prevents individuals and even powerful groups from openly challenging him. This suggests a chilling effect on dissent and free speech, ironically coming from a person who often champions those very ideals.… Continue reading
Elon Musk’s recent request for more “positive” content on X was met with widespread criticism, with users labeling him a hypocrite for his own inflammatory posts. These posts include endorsing the far-right AfD party in Germany and using profanity towards critics. Musk’s actions contrast sharply with his demand, particularly given analysis suggesting he artificially boosted pro-Trump content on the platform. This controversy highlights the ongoing tension between Musk’s stated goals for X and his actual actions on the platform.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood