tech

Telegram CEO on political pressure to censor channels

Scoresby

It is an important reminder that the greatest risk to open communication is rarely the official and visible act of banning. That sort of move draws attention invites scrutiny and often sparks public debate. The quieter tactic of nudging algorithms to favor or suppress certain viewpoints is far more insidious because it operates out of sight. It can change the tone and scope of public conversation without the audience even knowing it happened.  


When platforms can point to clear objective rules applied consistently it removes much of the space for backroom negotiations and political pressure. In the long run openness in process is more effective than any promise of neutrality. The responsibility lies both with the platform to be transparent and with the public to demand that transparency as a safeguard for its freedom of speech.  