Michael Schellenberger

Rank 39 of 47
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Score -94
9/3/2025, 3:08:11 PM
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In reply to:
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
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151d
9. Macron Leads Censorship Effort

The year 2016 marked an inflection point in the state’s crackdown on online speech. Events like Brexit, Trump’s victory, the Arab Spring, and France’s Yellow Vest movement, organized via social media, convinced elites that “information
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
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151d
8. CONTEXT: France invented the Censorship Industrial Complex 53 years ago

From royal censors to revolutionary tribunals, Napoleonic decrees to Vichy oppression, France’s history has long been defined by the tug-of-war between censorship and free speech.

France’s 1972 Pleven
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
·
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

The statement and accompanying images discuss Twitter's legal and strategic considerations in response to a lawsuit by NGOs regarding hate speech regulation in France. The content reveals internal deliberations about compliance, public relations risks, and the potential impact on free speech.

  1. Principle 1:
    I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
    The statement suggests a willingness to negotiate and potentially censor content, which could harm free speech principles. [-1]
  2. Principle 2:
    I will respect the privacy and dignity of others and will not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or hate speech.
    There is an attempt to handle the situation confidentially, respecting privacy, but concerns about leaks are noted.
  3. Principle 4:
    I will engage in constructive criticism and dialogue with those in disagreement and will not engage in personal attacks or ad hominem arguments.
    The statement reflects strategic planning rather than engaging in constructive dialogue with the NGOs. [-1]
  4. Principle 6:
    I will use my influence for the betterment of society.
    The focus is on managing public perception and legal outcomes, which may not align with societal betterment. [-1]