‘Is a New Platform Needed?’ Elon Musk Follows-Up on Free Speech Poll, Asking ‘What Should Be Done’ About Twitter
Jim Watson/AFP, via Getty
Billionaire Elon Musk this week ran a poll on Twitter about Twitter and free speech, which he warned could have consequences. On Saturday, Musk followed up and asked whether it’s time for a new platform.
In his poll, Musk said that free speech is “essential to a functioning democracy,” and asked, “Do you believe Twitter rigorously adheres to this principle?”
The poll received 2,035,924 and “No” won 70.4% to 29.6%.
In his follow-up, Musk said that, since Twitter “serves as the de facto public town square,” the fact that the service isn’t upholding freedom of speech “undermines democracy.”
He then asked the question everyone was expecting: “Is a new platform needed?”
Given that Twitter serves as the de facto public town square, failing to adhere to free speech principles fundamentally undermines democracy.
What should be done? https://t.co/aPS9ycji37
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 26, 2022
Is a new platform needed?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 26, 2022
Responses and quote retweets included a lot of “yes” answers, some “no” answers, a few mentions of Parler or Gettr, and many people encouraging Musk to simply buy Twitter outright.
If that happens, we’ll be sure to let you know.
