[freespeechrox]

I plan on applying to work for Twitter now that it supports free speech.

I’d like to think I can provide a net positive to the org with 15 years experience as a developer, founder and CTO.

Maybe it’ll end up being a net zero brain swap.

[butner]

Your account was created to make this comment?

[freespeechrox]

It sure was. I’ve been on HN for more than 10 years with my real name.

I know it sounds silly that I’d use a throwaway to say I want to work for Twitter now.

But if I do end up working there I have a feeling some in my network may not be so happy about this. I’d have to come to terms with that and plan some things out.

Maybe I’m overreacting, maybe not. But it’s on my mind these days when I say I support free speech within the confines of existing US law.

[codegeek]

This is a honest question. Why do people talk about "free speech" because there is no such thing outside of 1st Amendment which is to ensure that Govt. cannot do anything to an individual. For private businesses, where is this free speech coming from ? Twitter banning someone (whether you agree or disagree) is not a violation of free speech unless the definition has changed.

[freespeechrox]

Yes, that’s fair. I’m using colloquial shorthand on mobile.

What I mean to say is that I support a company freely choosing to adopt a content moderation policy that aligns as closely as possible to the US 1st Amendment.

I think the US 1st Amendment is among (if not the) strongest free speech laws in the world, and it would be beneficial to society to have a major social media platform adopt that ideal as their North Star.

Right now presents an interesting and rather unique opportunity to convert a major social media platform from an ad-driven model with shareholders seeking endless growth to a sustainable, long-term business model with a revenue model that aligns closer to users. And sprinkle on top the idea of making the platform more inclusive to diverse groups and opinions with less echo-chamber. That interests me.

[qu4z-2]

Freedom of speech is a principle. The US 1st Amendment is one specific implementation of that principle, but generally people asking for free speech are making a moral argument, not a legal one.