Michael Schellenberger

Rank 39 of 47
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Score -94
9/3/2025, 3:04:42 PM
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In reply to:
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
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151d
7. “I am not surprised that they are trying now to go back to court and make some public statement…”

Twitter executives knew the timing of the NGOs’ lawsuit was not coincidental.

“From a public policy standpoint,” wrote Audrey Herblin-Stoop, Twitter’s Public Policy Director
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
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151d
6. “They are concerned that we let users Tweet anonymously”

Following a mediation session with the NGOs on November 7, 2020, Colangelo updated her colleagues: “The NGOs articulated their concerns, which, broadly speaking, are (1) they feel we are not actioning hate speech
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
·
151d
5. “This case is largely about painting Twitter as a dangerous actor in the press.”

Macron’s request for Dorsey’s number appears to be linked with the simultaneous launch of a lawsuit by four French government-linked NGOs against Twitter.

“We were sued back in the spring by
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
·
151d
4. CONTEXT: Escalating lawfare and censorship under Macron’s presidency

France has long presented itself as the cradle of modern democratic ideals, born of the Revolution of 1789 and enshrined in the motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.” In reality, few Western governments have
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
·
151d
3. “Macron only sends texts to people he is close to and works frequently with…”

The first reply came from Twitter's Global Vice President of Public Affairs, who copied Vijaya Gadde, one of the platform's chief censors.

This Global Vice President of Public Affairs noted, “I
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
·
151d
2. “President Macron wants to text Jack”

On October 14, 2020, Twitter’s Public Policy Director for France and Russia wrote, “President Macron's team has been asking me (again!) Jack's number because the President wants to text him some supporting words re our new policies and

The statement critiques France's historical and ongoing relationship with censorship, suggesting a long-standing tension between censorship and free speech. It implies that France has institutionalized censorship, particularly referencing the 1972 Pleven law. The tone is critical and historical, aiming to provide context to current discussions about free speech and censorship in France.

  1. Principle 1:
    I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
    The statement does not directly harm but critiques historical and current policies, which can be seen as a form of constructive criticism.
  2. Principle 3:
    I will use my words and actions to promote understanding, empathy, and compassion.
    The statement attempts to promote understanding by providing historical context to the issue of censorship in France. [+1]
  3. Principle 6:
    I will use my influence for the betterment of society.
    The statement uses its platform to discuss societal issues, potentially contributing to public discourse on free speech and censorship. [+1]