Summary:

Concerns About Social Media: The author draws parallels between concerns that led to discussions about banning TikTok in the U.S. and the current state of X (formerly Twitter).

X as a Threat: The author argues that X, under Elon Musk’s ownership, poses a threat to Canadian democracy.

Increased Racism and Misinformation: The platform is described as having become more racist and a source of increasing misinformation since Musk’s acquisition.

Content Moderation: Musk’s leadership is criticized for gutting content moderation, unbanning alt-right figures, and turning the platform into a partisan propaganda machine.

“Free Speech Absolutism”: Musk’s defense of his actions using “free speech absolutism” is dismissed as untenable.

Canadian Law: Canadian freedom of expression law is noted to be more robust than that of the U.S., allowing for reasonable limits on speech.

Foreign Influence: The author suggests that X’s current conduct would not be tolerated if it were aligned with a government like China.

Musk and Trump: Musk’s close ties to Donald Trump and the potential for pro-Trump propaganda targeting Canadian voters are highlighted as a specific threat.

Echoes of the Broadcasting Act: The author draws a parallel to the Broadcasting Act of 1958, which restricted foreign ownership of broadcasters to protect Canadian discourse.

Message to Social Media Companies: Banning X would send a message to other social media companies about their responsibilities to Canadians.

Call to Action: The author urges the current Prime Minister to ban X before the next election.

Trump’s annexation comments: Notes Trump’s comments about annexing Canada.

X as an Anti-Canadian Propaganda Machine: Concludes that X should be treated as a real threat.