politics
February 20, 2026
'Free speech is pure bulls**t'
French President Emmanuel Macron has blasted social media platforms’ free speech claims as “bulls**t,” calling for transparent algorithms
TL;DR
- Emmanuel Macron called social media free speech claims 'pure bulls**t'.
- He demanded complete transparency in algorithms used by social media platforms.
- Macron stated that algorithmic bias carries significant democratic consequences.
- He emphasized the need to avoid racist and hate speech online.
- The EU's regulations on social media have created tensions with the US.
- US figures have accused European leaders of suppressing free expression.
- Tech leaders like Pavel Durov and Elon Musk have criticized EU regulations.