Tucker Carlson and Mike Benz reveals the main driver of censorship in the United States

Summary

The video transcript delves into the erosion of freedom of speech in the United States, driven by censorship efforts stemming from the military-industrial complex and foreign policy establishment. It explores how these institutions, initially championing internet freedom as a tool for regime change, have now shifted to curbing free speech under the guise of combating disinformation. The conversation with cybersecurity expert Mike Benz unravels the intricate web of collusion between government agencies, tech companies, and NGOs in facilitating censorship, with a particular focus on the role of NATO, the intelligence community, and the Aspen Institute. Benz also discusses the threat posed by EU censorship laws and the challenges faced by platforms like Twitter (now X) in maintaining free speech amidst mounting pressures.

Takeaways

• 😶Freedom of speech, a foundational right in the US, is rapidly eroding due to increasing censorship.
• 🕵️Censorship has evolved from traditional forms to target "disinformation" and "misinformation", regardless of factual accuracy.
• 📡The US government, defense contractors, and foreign policy institutions are actively stripping away free speech rights.
• 🌐The internet and social media were initially championed by the US government as tools for regime change and dissent, but that stance has reversed since 2014.
• 👥The military-industrial complex, NGOs, and think tanks have formed a censorship industry to control narratives and elections globally.
• 🇺🇸US national security agencies like the CIA and NSA have been deeply involved in shaping censorship policies and coordinating with tech companies.
• 🇪🇺NATO has formally committed to "hybrid warfare", using censorship to combat "Russian propaganda" and counter domestic political groups.
• 🚫Platforms like Twitter (now X) face immense pressure to comply with censorship laws and regulations, especially from the EU's Digital Services Act.
• ⚖️Legal challenges like Missouri v. Biden and Congressional investigations have exposed the depth of the censorship industry.
• 🔑X (formerly Twitter) remains one of the last major platforms allowing relatively free speech, but faces escalating threats to its continued freedom.

Q & A

What is the defining fact of the United States according to the speaker?

The defining fact of the United States is freedom of speech, as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Bill of Rights. The speaker argues that this freedom makes the US exceptional.

What is the speaker's opinion on hate speech and its regulation?

The speaker believes that there should be no hate speech exception to the freedom of speech. Even if someone hates what another person thinks, they cannot force that person to be silent, as they are citizens, not slaves.

What is the speaker's view on the current state of censorship in the US?

The speaker believes that the right to freedom of speech, which is foundational to the US, is disappearing at a high speed due to modern censorship. This censorship is being carried out under the guise of fighting disinformation and misinformation, without regard for the truth.

Who is Mike Benz, and what is his expertise?

Mike Benz is the executive director of the Foundation for Freedom Online. He is considered an expert on how censorship happens, having previously held the cyber portfolio at the US State Department.

What is the role of the military-industrial complex and the defense industry in censorship, according to Mike Benz?

Mike Benz explains that the military-industrial complex, defense contractors, the Department of Defense, and the foreign policy establishment in Washington are stripping away freedom of speech, especially as the world approaches global war. This censorship is being carried out under the guise of fighting disinformation and misinformation.

How did the US government initially view internet freedom, according to Mike Benz?

Mike Benz explains that the US government, including the Pentagon, State Department, and intelligence agencies, initially championed internet freedom as an instrument of statecraft. They used it to support dissident groups around the world and overthrow authoritarian governments.

What was the turning point that led to the US government's shift from supporting internet freedom to censorship?

According to Mike Benz, the turning point was the 2014 coup in Ukraine and the subsequent annexation of Crimea by Russia. After Crimea voted to join the Russian Federation, NATO declared that the fundamental nature of war had changed, and control over the media and social media was now crucial for controlling elections.

What is the role of think tanks and NGOs in the censorship industry, according to Mike Benz?

Mike Benz explains that think tanks and NGOs like the Atlantic Council, the Aspen Institute, and others, funded by the government, play a crucial role in the censorship industry. They coordinate with the military and intelligence agencies to censor "Russian propaganda" and "domestic right-wing populist groups" in Europe.

What is the current threat to freedom of speech on the X platform (formerly Twitter), according to Mike Benz?

Mike Benz believes that the primary threat to freedom of speech on X (formerly Twitter) comes from the EU's Digital Services Act, which bans "disinformation" and forces X to comply with censorship laws or face significant financial penalties. He also mentions the risk of advertiser boycotts and ongoing investigations into Elon Musk's companies by US government agencies.

What is the Foundation for Freedom Online, and how can people learn more about Mike Benz's work?

The Foundation for Freedom Online is the organization led by Mike Benz, which publishes reports and research on various aspects of the censorship industry. People can learn more about Benz's work on the foundation's website, foundationforfreedonomline.com, or by following his Twitter handle @MikeBenzCyber.