this post was submitted on 31 Jul 2023
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"Last week we got a letter from Elon Musk’s X. Corp threatening CCDH with legal action over our work, exposing the proliferation of hate and lies on Twitter since he became the owner. Elon Musk’s actions represent a brazen attempt to silence honest criticism and independent research in the desperate hope that he can stem the tide of negative stories and rebuild his relationship with advertisers."

[With apologies to anyone who dislikes endless Musk/Huffman spam in this community. I put it here because misusing the law to silence independent tech researchers this has wider implications.]

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[–] [email protected] 87 points 1 year ago (4 children)

But all the Musk bros told me he's a "free speech absolutist"

[–] [email protected] 17 points 1 year ago (1 children)

But all the Musk bros told me he’s a “free speech absolutist”

Can't you read? Lawyers for Musk are promoting free speech by threatening people with lawsuits. That's how free speech works. /s

[–] [email protected] 13 points 1 year ago

Free speak isn’t free, it costs $8 per month.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago

Musk: Free for me NOT thee.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

"Absolutist," according to him, meant within the laws of whatever country it was operating in. So, 'free speech' North Korean style is something he favors.

[–] [email protected] 38 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I recommend reading the letters. Both from X's lawyers and the amazing reply from the lawyers of the CCDH.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 year ago

I read them in reverse order and indeed the answer is amazing.

As for the letter from Twitter lawyer (Spiro), it does look as it was written by someone without knowledge on the subject... I read Spiro Wikipedia page, and apparently, he is described as a quite successful lawyer, so my best guess is that some low level associate wrote it and Spiro only signed.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago

You weren't wrong. I decided not to read the drivel from X's lawyers as we all know what they're trying to do (stifle criticism), the response is strong as fuck though.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago

Thanks for the recommendation, it was a great read. Twitter's letter has all the energy of a 3rd grader writing a persuasive essay against something they know they have no argument for. CCDH however didn't miss.

Reminding Twitter that if they sue, they can and will immediately request information for discovery, including Musk's communications on the matter, is one hell of a threat to end the letter with. Even Elon must have a singular brain cell to know his emails would be incredibly damning.

[–] [email protected] 16 points 1 year ago

I feel the dawning of something great. As if countless subjects suddenly looked upon the pestilent body of their Emperor and noticed that it is barren.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 1 year ago

That response letter is vicious

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 year ago

My surprise at this development maxed out at 0.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago

Nice. That response letter wasn’t exactly legalese, but was outstanding.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

These truly and clearly are the actions of a lover of free speech.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago

Makes you wonder why they would limit API access, it's almost like they don't want anyone collecting statistical information about how much garbage there is on the platform…

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I look forward to the day where Musk's do buys some consequences his bank balance can't pay for...

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Never going to happen.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

Free speech for me, but not for thee

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

bully only got one mode

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Well, I think we know now that even with the best lawyers money can buy, you can't pass off lipstick on a pig. That, or Musk's taste in lawyers is the same as his taste in design and business decisions.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Didn’t he refuse to pay Twitter lawyers that worked for Twitter to force Musk’s hand to buy Twitter? I imagine at this point his lawyer options are pretty slim based on his earned reputation.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Free speech, huh? Only for you, Dutchie.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Response letter=Legal terminology for “Come at me Bro!”

2nd page talks about “batons”…