Might pro-free speech measures to combat censorship on Twitter be in the works? Tech billionaire Elon Musk is now not only the biggest Twitter shareholder, he is joining the social media company’s board.
Tesla CEO, Big Tech Censorship Critic Elon Musk reportedly became Twitter’s largest shareholder this week. Musk owns “73,486,938” shares, totalling a sizable “9.2%” of Twitter’s stock as of March 14, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing dated April 4. Musk’s potential leverage at Twitter just increased, however, as Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced on April 5 that Musk will be joining Twitter’s board.
Agrawal tweeted, “I’m excited to share that we’re appointing @elonmusk to our board! Through conversations with Elon in recent weeks, it became clear to us that he would bring great value to our Board.” The Twitter CEO added, “He’s both a passionate believer and intense critic of the service which is exactly what we need on @Twitter, and in the boardroom, to make us stronger in the long-term. Welcome Elon!”
Musk responded to Agrawal’s announcement in the same Twitter thread with a statement that indicated the Big Tech critic is hoping to help make important changes to the social media platform. “Looking forward to working with Parag & Twitter board to make significant improvements to Twitter in coming months!” Musk exclaimed in a tweet.
Wedbush Managing Director Dan Ives, among others, already highlighted how important Musk’s large share in Twitter could be when he reportedly told CNBC that the purchase “‘could lead to some sort of buyout.’”
Agrawal has supported increased censorship of past statements, a supporter of leftist calls to suppress content. “Our role is not to be bound by the First Amendment,” Agrawal said, adding, “Where our role is particularly emphasized is who can be heard.”
Musk has repeatedly bashed Twitter’s censorship-heavy stance recently, including slamming Twitter for censoring online discourse recently. Musk considered starting his own social networking platform. Musk supported freedom of speech. He was even quoted in March 25, 2005. tweet where he said, “Free speech is essential to a functioning democracy.” Musk tweeted a poll asking if people thought Twitter adhered to free speech, adding, “The consequences of this poll will be important. Please vote carefully.” Musk also tweeted on March 26, “Given that Twitter serves as the de facto public town square, failing to adhere to free speech principles fundamentally undermines democracy.”
Conservatives under attack. Tweet at (415) 222-9670 to demand Big Tech to abide by the First Amendment. We can help you if your tweets have been blocked. Contact the Media Research Center Contact formPlease help us make Big Tech more accountable.