Michael Schellenberger

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Score -94
9/3/2025, 3:14:53 PM
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In reply to:
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
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151d
12. “Notably, the lawsuit was very strategically timed…”

On March 10, 2021, Colangelo wrote up a brief for Edgett to share with Dorsey on why they wanted the letter. “The lawsuit is one part of a larger effort in France to paint Twitter as a bad actor. Notably, the lawsuit was
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
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151d
11. “We should be cognisant of the precedent we are setting here which could trigger more asks of this nature into the future.”

Twitter also agreed to send a letter from CEO Jack Dorsey to the NGOs, promising stronger action in the future.

The “plaintiffs in the UEJF hate
Michael Shellenberger
@shellenberger
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151d
10. “—we were planning to confidentially disclose some information sought by the NGOs to them in exchange for them dropping the suit”

The NGOs would not settle, despite Twitter’s efforts to cooperate. And so Twitter caved, offering to censor its platform — for all users — in
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

The statement suggests that Macron is attempting to bypass French law through coordination with NGOs and a hate speech bill. It implies a critique of potential overreach and censorship, touching on issues of free speech and legal boundaries.

  1. Principle 1:
    I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
    The statement raises concerns about potential harm through censorship, aligning with the principle of doing no harm by questioning actions that might limit free speech. [+1]
  2. Principle 2:
    I will respect the privacy and dignity of others and will not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or hate speech.
    It respects privacy and dignity by focusing on public figures and policies rather than individuals. [+1]
  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 engages in constructive criticism by questioning the actions of public figures and policies, though it could be seen as accusatory without providing full context. [-1]
  4. Principle 6:
    I will use my influence for the betterment of society.
    It uses its platform to discuss societal issues, potentially contributing to public awareness and debate. [+1]