Elon Musk responds to critics of billionaires 1:05
New York (CNN Business) --
Elon Musk reaffirmed his desire to relax content restrictions on Twitter on Thursday.
In his first forum with Twitter employees, Musk addressed a number of concerns about his stance on content moderation, elaborating on his view of allowing "free speech" on the platform.
Musk reiterated his desire to allow all legal speech on Twitter, even if it falls under the "legal but appalling" category, such as extremism or abuse.
"I think it's essential to have freedom of expression and for people to be able to communicate freely," Musk said.
Elon Musk threatens to cancel deal to buy Twitter
However, Musk said that the platform must work to prevent the spread of harmful or offensive content, so that users can be "comfortable on Twitter."
“There is freedom of speech and freedom to expand content,” he said. “Anybody could stand in the middle of Times Square right now and say whatever they want. They can stand in Times Square and deny the Holocaust… but that doesn't mean you need to amplify that message to millions of people. So I think people should have the freedom to say things that are totally unacceptable within the confines of the law, but that are not amplified and not far-reaching."
ANALYSIS |
Eight questions about the future of Twitter now that Elon Musk will take control
Thursday marked the first time Musk spoke directly to Twitter employees after agreeing to buy the social network in April for $44 billion.
Many employees have raised concerns, publicly and privately, about Musk's stances on topics such as content moderation and remote work, topics the Tesla CEO addressed during the more than 30-minute virtual meeting, according to a recording. Obtained by CNN Business.
advertising
Elon MuskTwitter