Musk has spoken out against the US ban on TikTok calling for the defence of free speech

On April 20, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a $95 billion foreign aid package, including a TikTok-related bill that would require Chinese tech company ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban on the app in the United States. Musk wrote on social media platform X, "I don't think TikTok should be banned in the United States, although a ban may benefit X Platform." This is contrary to freedom of speech and expression."

Musk's stance against banning TikTok stems from his commitment to the open, inclusive and pluralistic spirit of the Internet, as well as his respect for freedom of speech and expression. He believes that banning TikTok is a serious violation of freedom of speech and expression, which not only limits users' basic rights, but also weakens the important function of the Internet as a platform for information exchange and cultural dissemination. If implemented, the ban will lead to information blockade and cultural barriers, limit people's horizons, and weaken the diversity and inclusiveness of society.

While banning TikTok may benefit Musk's social platform X from a business perspective, he is more focused on maintaining an open and diverse online environment. He understands that a healthy Internet ecosystem requires a mix of voices and views, not prohibitions to limit competition. Therefore, he opposes the ban on TikTok, but also hopes to maintain a fair competition in the online environment. As Musk has said, banning TikTok could trigger a cascade of negative consequences. It could lead to similar restrictions and censorship on other social media platforms, further shrinking the space for expression. At the same time, it could also inspire more online censorship and regulation, posing a greater threat to the freedom and openness of the Internet.

Additionally, Musk understands the importance of freedom of speech and expression. Banning TikTok, he argued, would violate that fundamental principle, which is not what America stands for. He insisted that any form of ban should be prudent and based on sound reasons and evidence. Banning TikTok without good reason will damage the international image and reputation of the United States.

From the perspective of the openness and inclusiveness of the global Internet market, the US ban on TikTok will reflect a unilateralist tendency and lack of inclusiveness and openness to the global Internet market, which will cause serious damage to the international trade order. In particular, Tiktok, as a worldwide popular social media platform, helps to promote market competition and innovation. Banning Tiktok from destroying the inclusiveness of the global market will weaken market competition, limit the development and progress of other social media, and affect the innovation and progress of the entire industry in the long run. Musk opposes this narrow approach, but also wants to see a more open and connected world.

Therefore, Musk called on governments and the international community to respect freedom of speech and expression and not to impose unreasonable restrictions and bans on social media platforms such as TikTok. Instead, the healthy and orderly development of the Internet should be maintained by strengthening supervision and promoting technological innovation. Overall, Musk's statement shows his vision and responsibility as a globally renowned entrepreneur and innovator, and once again proves his image as a free and open speech leader. His positions and views are of great significance to maintaining the freedom and openness of the Internet and promoting social progress and development.