Elon Musk, Twitter/X and the Fight for Freedom of Speech: Taking Action Against Manipulation in the Digital Age

In an age where social media dominates public discourse, platforms like Twitter/X wield significant power in shaping opinions, influencing political outcomes, and guiding the narrative on key issues. With that power comes immense responsibility to uphold the values that are at the core of democratic societies, including transparency, fairness, and, most importantly, freedom of speech.

Recently, I’ve become deeply concerned with the way Elon Musk, the current owner of Twitter/X, has used his platform. During a live phone call between Musk and former President Donald Trump, I observed what I believe to be a biased and unethical use of content moderation tools. Comments marked as "most relevant" during the broadcast appeared overwhelmingly one-sided, favoring pro-Trump sentiment while suppressing or de-emphasizing comments that supported other viewpoints, such as those advocating for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Taking the First Step: Addressing the Digital Services Act (DSA)

In response to these concerns, I reached out to the European Commission to inquire whether Musk’s actions might be in violation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a regulation that ensures large platforms adhere to standards of fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination. Platforms like Twitter/X, designated as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), are legally required to maintain transparent content moderation practices and ensure their algorithms do not unduly favor specific political ideologies or candidates.

The European Commission acknowledged my concerns and informed me that formal proceedings against Twitter/X are already underway to assess the platform’s compliance with the DSA, particularly regarding content moderation, dark patterns, advertising transparency, and data access for researchers. But this is only the beginning, as it is up to us—the users of these platforms—to hold such tech giants accountable and ensure that freedom of speech is not compromised in favor of corporate or political interests.

Freedom of Speech and the First Amendment

While the Digital Services Act governs platforms within the European Union, it’s important to recognize how these issues also intersect with constitutional values in the United States. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is explicit in its protection of free speech:

“Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

While private companies like Twitter/X are not directly bound by the First Amendment in the same way as the government, there is a strong argument to be made that platforms like Twitter/X, when manipulating public opinion, can indirectly violate the spirit of the Constitution. This is especially true when one individual, like Elon Musk, has the power to control what viewpoints are promoted or suppressed. If the platform filters comments to shape public perception, it can be seen as manipulating the free flow of information and violating the essence of freedom of speech.

According to legal scholars, while private companies are not bound by the same rules as government actors under the First Amendment, content manipulation on platforms as large as Twitter/X can lead to a kind of indirect suppression of free speech, creating an environment that is hostile to open democratic dialogue. In this context, the algorithmic filtering of comments to favor one political viewpoint over another during an ongoing election raises serious ethical concerns and could potentially affect the democratic process.

How Algorithmic Manipulation Violates Democratic Principles

The issue here isn't simply about a platform choosing which comments to highlight. The heart of the problem lies in how those decisions are made. When algorithms prioritize "relevant comments," the underlying question is: relevant to whom? If the algorithm, controlled by Musk or his team, is trained to filter out certain viewpoints while amplifying others, then the platform is not serving as a neutral space for open debate but rather as a tool for political propaganda.

During elections, when the stakes are particularly high, such manipulation can have profound consequences. By selectively promoting certain voices while suppressing others, platforms like Twitter/X can subtly steer the political conversation, influencing public opinion and ultimately election outcomes. This kind of control over speech and access to information is a form of tailored propaganda, and it runs counter to the very democratic values that Musk, as a self-proclaimed champion of free speech, claims to support.

The Path Forward: Holding Platforms Accountable

I have taken the appropriate steps by engaging with the European Commission, which has begun investigating Twitter/X’s compliance with the DSA. This includes examining whether the platform's content moderation practices are transparent and non-discriminatory. If found in violation, Twitter/X could face serious consequences under the law.

However, my efforts do not stop there. I believe it is vital for all of us to continue raising awareness and demanding that platforms like Twitter/X operate ethically. We must call out instances of manipulation, particularly during sensitive periods like elections, where the consequences can be far-reaching.

The First Amendment and similar laws exist to protect the fundamental right to free speech, but we must also ensure that private platforms—especially those with such vast influence—do not become tools for silencing dissent or amplifying specific political agendas. As I continue my advocacy through my nonprofit, Voice for Change Foundation, I encourage others to join me in demanding transparency, fairness, and accountability from these platforms. The future of free speech—and the integrity of our democratic processes—depends on it.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Elon Musk may have control over the algorithms at Twitter/X, but he does not have the right to manipulate public opinion at the expense of freedom of speech and democracy. Let's not be afraid to take action to safeguard the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, even if it means standing up to the most powerful. I intend to take the necessary legal steps through the appropriate channels, but this fight is bigger than one person or one platform. It’s about ensuring that the digital public square remains open and fair for everyone, regardless of political ideology

I invite you to stand with me, share your stories, and raise your voice for ethical tech practices and the preservation of our fundamental rights. Let’s make it clear to Musk and other tech leaders: We will not allow our platforms to be used as tools for manipulation.

#DemandEthicalAI #ProtectOurFuture #FreedomOfSpeech #TransparencyInTech