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WEAPONS OF MASS DELETION: HOW THE US GOVERNMENT FUNDS THE DIGITAL CENSORSHIP INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
March 13, 2024

Executive Director at The Foundation For Freedom Online
“What I’m essentially describing is military rule. What’s happened with the rise of the censorship industry is a total inversion of the idea of democracy itself.”

Free speech stands as one of the fundamental pillars of a democratic society, serving as a cornerstone of individual liberty, societal progress, and the pursuit of truth. At its core, the principle of free speech ensures that individuals have the right to express their opinions, beliefs, and ideas without fear of censorship or reprisal from the government or other authorities.

However, in the age of digital communication and the rise of social media platforms, we have slowly seen the power to regulate content shifting into the hands of tech giants. For many of us this raises concerns about the potential for bias, manipulation, and overreach.

The importance of free speech extends beyond mere protection of individual rights; it serves as a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and societal advancement. By encouraging the free exchange of ideas and information, free speech fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the exploration of new perspectives.

Free speech enables individuals to challenge conventional wisdom and question authority, while also serving as a safeguard against tyranny and oppression, providing a mechanism for holding those in power accountable and ensuring that dissenting voices have the opportunity to be heard.

Which brings me to today’s livestream and a guest who is quickly becoming the leading voice in the free speech movement, with the goal to protect Americans and people everywhere from internet censorship.

Mike Benz is a former lawyer, IT expert and author who believes that restoring the promise of a free and open internet is one of the most important issues facing the world today.

Mike’s journey began with his transition from the legal realm into government service where he served as a speechwriter and technology advisor under the Trump administration. His expertise in economic policy and tech advocacy paved the way for impactful roles within the US State Department where he spearheaded initiatives on international communications and information technology.

However, it was during this time that Mike witnessed a worrying trend: the consolidation of power between big government and big tech, leading to unprecedented levels of online censorship and infringement on free speech.

With that as a driving force, Mike founded the Foundation for Freedom Online (FFO) – a free speech watchdog dedicated to restoring the promise of a free and open internet.

Through his Foundation, Mike and his team work tirelessly to shed light on the pervasive nature of online censorship, publishing reports and exposing the complex dynamics at play behind the censorship industry.

From the influence of the military-industrial complex to the manipulation tactics employed by tech giants, the FFO’s mission is to educate policymakers and the public about the dangers of censorship and advocate for guidelines that uphold freedom of expression.

Mike warns of the growing threat to democracy posed by the erosion of free speech online, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence and algorithmic manipulation. To that end, Mike believes we are witnessing an inversion of democracy – one where traditional gatekeepers dictate the flow of information and alternative voices are silenced.

Mike remains steadfast in his belief that the fight for digital freedom is one of the most important issues of our time. Through education, advocacy, and grassroots activism, Mike and the FFO are leading the charge to protect our fundamental rights in the digital realm and preserve the integrity of democratic discourse for generations to come.

I’m delighted Mike is joining us on London Real for this incredibly important conversation. Many of you will be only too aware of our own battles with the tech giants and ongoing issues with censorship. This is vital information that so many people seem blissfully unaware of.

There are wars taking place around the world and we are heading into election season – do not underestimate the significance of online censorship and the impact it could have on your own future.

In essence, free speech is not just a right to be protected; it is a foundational principle upon which democratic societies are built and sustained. Mike is an expert in every sense and his depth of knowledge and understanding of the systems and mechanisms at play is unparalleled. This is a big one, so please make sure you share the link with as many people as possible.

“Free speech on the Internet was an instrument of statecraft almost from the outset of the privatisation of the Internet.”

https://londonreal.tv/mike-benz-weapons-of-mass-deletion-how-the-us-government-funds-the-digital-censorship-industrial-complex

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