X Platform Files Legal Action Against Soros-Funded NGOs Over Freedom of Speech Restrictions
Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is taking legal action against non-governmental organizations (NGOs) funded by billionaire philanthropist George Soros. The platform alleges that these NGOs are pushing for restrictions on freedom of speech. The announcement was made by Elon Musk on Wednesday.
Journalist and bestselling author Michael Shellenberger highlighted an article on X by Ben Scallan titled Soros-Funded NGOs Demand Crackdown on Free Speech As Politicians Spread Hate Misinformation. According to Scallan’s article, Soros’ Open Society Foundations has allegedly been funneling funds to various NGOs, aiming to promote a censorship agenda in Ireland and Scotland. This agenda reportedly includes police searches of homes, phones, and computers.
Contrary to the claims of officials, Scallan argues that Ireland is not witnessing an increase in hate-based crimes. He suggests that the rise in reported hate-based offenses is merely due to increased reporting, rather than actual incidents. Scallan further contends that politicians are utilizing the hype about hate to justify the implementation of a strict new hate speech law. He describes this law as an unprecedented assault on citizens’ freedom, emphasizing that it reverses the burden of proof.
Reacting to Scallan’s article, Shellenberger argues that politicians and Soros-funded NGOs are spreading misinformation about rising hate incidents to support a draconian crackdown on free speech. Musk responds to Shellenberger’s post, confirming that X will initiate legal action to prevent censorship crackdowns and safeguard freedom of speech. Musk eagerly anticipates the start of discovery in the legal proceedings.
In 2016, Soros pledged $10 million to combat hate crimes, attributing a spike in hate incidents against migrants and minorities to dark forces triggered by the 2016 election. He expressed the need to push back against these developments and planned to provide $5 million in grants to community-based and civil-society organizations. The Southern Poverty Law Center was one of the recipients, tasked with tracking hate crime incidents in the United States.
According to the FBI, hate-related crimes witnessed a 12% increase in 2021 compared to the previous year. The agency reported that nearly 65% of the 12,411 victims targeted were victims of racial or ethnic discrimination.
With X taking legal action against Soros-funded NGOs, the battle over freedom of speech and the alleged censorship agenda funded by Soros continues. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the future of online platforms and the protection of individuals’ right to express their views freely.
