There has been a large discussion in recent years around free speech and what role media companies have played in trying to censor people.
Experts have suggested years ago that attacks on free speech had been increasing around the country. Now we even see leaders of those tech companies coming out and admitting to the pressure that they faced to engage in quieting certain voices and content as well.
To allegedly pressure private companies to engage in actions that the state itself wouldn't be able to raises some serious questions about overreach and influence from corporations in our everyday lives. The lines between public and private power become blurred when we see this questionable mix and move toward tyranny with the state trying to suppress certain ideas.
This has been a big issue for voters and some might say that we are now going to see transformative changes with regard to certain institutions that can help to bring back that high regard for freedom of speech.
Previously, some surveys have found that there is a great deal of fear that people have over being themselves and expressing their true opinions. They are afraid of retaliation or facing criticism. Even if institutions seem dedicated to defending and protecting free speech, individuals feeling comfortable enough to exercise it in the first place is another question.
sources:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/experts-say-attacks-on-free-speech-are-rising-across-the-us
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-62688532
