'Free Speech Absolutist' Elon Musk Suspends Critics, Asks People to Be Nicer

Elon Musk, who has positioned himself as a "free speech absolutist," has faced criticism for suspending accounts of individuals who were previously aligned with him, including prominent supporters. Critics argue that Musk's actions contradict his stated commitment to free speech, as he has banned journalists and suppressed content that challenges his views or those of his allies. Under Musk's leadership, account suspensions on ExTwitter have reportedly tripled compared to the previous management. Recently, some of his supporters expressed discontent over his stance on H1B visas, leading to suspensions of accounts like Laura Loomer's. Musk has attempted to justify these suspensions by redefining what constitutes spam, raising concerns about the arbitrary nature of his moderation policies. This has led to a growing realization among some of his supporters that Musk's approach to free speech may be more about controlling discourse than upholding it. Despite his claims, many observers argue that his moderation practices reflect personal whims rather than a principled stance on free speech. Musk's recent pleas for users to be nicer on the platform highlight the contradictions in his approach, as he initially took over ExTwitter to promote a more open dialogue.

- Elon Musk's account suspensions have increased significantly since he took over ExTwitter.

- Critics argue Musk's actions contradict his claims of being a free speech supporter.

- Musk has faced backlash from supporters over his stance on H1B visas.

- His moderation policies are seen as arbitrary and self-serving.

- Musk's recent calls for civility on the platform highlight his inconsistent approach to free speech.