Elon Musk, CEO of X (formerly Twitter), and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, have voiced concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris’ alleged stance on regulating social media. Both Musk and Kennedy claim that Harris is advocating for the shutdown of X unless the platform complies with increased government oversight.
The controversy arose after Kennedy appeared on a podcast, where he suggested that the Vice President was pushing for stringent control over social media companies, particularly those that fail to align with government-defined standards. Musk later echoed Kennedy’s statements, sharing his concerns about the potential implications of such government action on his platform’s operations.
Kennedy argued that Harris’ approach would stifle free speech and give the government excessive power over digital platforms. He criticized what he sees as an overreach, stating that such a move could undermine the fundamental principles of democracy.
Vice President Harris has not directly responded to these specific claims. However, her office has previously emphasized the importance of holding social media companies accountable for the spread of misinformation and harmful content. It remains unclear whether any concrete proposals have been made to target X specifically.
The debate highlights a growing tension between tech leaders and political figures over the regulation of online content, with concerns on both sides about balancing free speech and public safety. As discussions continue, the future of platforms like X and their relationship with government oversight remains a critical issue in the public discourse.