Macron Says Social Media’s Free Speech Arguments Are ‘Bullshit’

Macron's criticism centers on the lack of algorithmic transparency rather than free speech itself. He argued that social media platforms cannot claim to protect free speech when users don't understand how algorithms work, how they're trained, or what content they're being shown. According to Macron, 'Freedom of speech is pure nonsense if no one knows how you came to this so-called freedom of speech, especially when it leads from one hate speech to another.' His position is that true free speech requires transparent algorithms so users can understand how their information is being filtered and presented.

Macron advocates for mandatory algorithmic transparency and regulation of social media platforms, particularly regarding their impact on children and democratic processes. In contrast, the Trump administration's national security strategy states it will resist attempts by foreign states to 'censor our discourse' or restrict freedom of speech, viewing European regulations as censorship. The Trump administration has indicated it would cultivate 'resistance to Europe's current trajectory,' offering tacit support to European far-right parties opposed to such regulations. Macron warned that France and Spain could become targets for US pressure due to their proposed social media bans for minors.