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thetyee.ca

Summary:

Concerns About Social Media: The author draws parallels between concerns that led to discussions about banning TikTok in the U.S. and the current state of X (formerly Twitter).

X as a Threat: The author argues that X, under Elon Musk’s ownership, poses a threat to Canadian democracy.

Increased Racism and Misinformation: The platform is described as having become more racist and a source of increasing misinformation since Musk’s acquisition.

Content Moderation: Musk’s leadership is criticized for gutting content moderation, unbanning alt-right figures, and turning the platform into a partisan propaganda machine.

“Free Speech Absolutism”: Musk’s defense of his actions using “free speech absolutism” is dismissed as untenable.

Canadian Law: Canadian freedom of expression law is noted to be more robust than that of the U.S., allowing for reasonable limits on speech.

Foreign Influence: The author suggests that X’s current conduct would not be tolerated if it were aligned with a government like China.

Musk and Trump: Musk’s close ties to Donald Trump and the potential for pro-Trump propaganda targeting Canadian voters are highlighted as a specific threat.

Echoes of the Broadcasting Act: The author draws a parallel to the Broadcasting Act of 1958, which restricted foreign ownership of broadcasters to protect Canadian discourse.

Message to Social Media Companies: Banning X would send a message to other social media companies about their responsibilities to Canadians.

Call to Action: The author urges the current Prime Minister to ban X before the next election.

Trump’s annexation comments: Notes Trump’s comments about annexing Canada.

X as an Anti-Canadian Propaganda Machine: Concludes that X should be treated as a real threat.

  • StopTouchingYourPhone@lemmy.world
    6·
    1 day ago

    Charlie Angus is doing some heavy lifting. Respect.

    We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to transition official government communications away from Twitter/X to more secure, community-regulated platforms that prioritise public safety, accurate information, and accessibility. We encourage the government to explore publicly accountable alternatives, including decentralised networks, to ensure reliable and responsible communication with Canadians. - 5359

    We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:

    1. Ban the social media platform X on all government agencies’ communication channels;
    2. Ban political candidates at all levels of governments to campaign, promote, disseminate, and share contents or messages under public or official capacity; and
    3. Publicly encourage private Canadian entities and users to use alternatives to communicate and interact with their audiences. - 6378

    Enough signatures means a petition HAS to be presented in the HoC and a government response MUST be tabled. The “revoke Elon’s citizenship” petition that got popular is the most symbolic gesture of these 3, but I think they’re all for the same main purpose: make our elected reps talk openly and on the record about the seig heil in the room. If they legislate deplatforming his main propaganda arm, that’s just gravy imo.