Sir, – The acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk, an “absolutist” in terms of free speech, should put our Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) on alert. While Twitter, along with other social media platforms, has not exactly covered itself in glory when it comes to the standard of moderation of their content, it would only be fair to acknowledge that efforts are made, even if sometimes not enough or too slow.
However, it cannot be allowed to happen, just because of the personal preferences of one very rich individual, that Twitter becomes a safe haven for the promotion all sorts of unacceptable comment and speech. I fear that hate speech, extreme right-wing racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric, misogyny, homophobia, and incitement to violence will find a platform on Twitter, all in the name of “absolute” free speech.
I trust that our DPC will not hesitate to act swiftly and decisively should any of this come to pass. – Yours, etc,
T GERARD BENNETT,
Bunbrosna,
Co Westmeath.
Sir, – Given Elon Musk’s offer for Twitter, it would seem that everyone who has ever described their unqualified, unsolicited and groundless opinion as “my two cents’ worth” has greatly undervalued themselves. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN O’BRIEN,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.
A chara, – If Elon Musk’s $44 billion takeover of Twitter helps to tackle the infodemic of misinformation plaguing the world then it will be money well spent. If not, it might just be the world’s most expensive tweet. – Is mise,
DERMOT O’ROURKE,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.