Episode Overview

Podcast: Rebel News Podcast
Episode Title: EZRA LEVANT | Fight for free speech intensifies as U.K. considers banning X
Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Ezra Levant
Guest: Tamara Lich

This episode centers on the escalating global and Canadian debates around free speech and censorship, focusing specifically on breaking news that the UK government is considering a ban or heavy regulation on X (formerly known as Twitter). The episode dissects the underlying motivations for such potential actions, their implications for international relations and freedom of expression, and Canada's stance on online speech. Journalistic activism, personal anecdotes, and interviews from the streets of Toronto round out the episode.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Potential Banning/Regulation of X in the UK and Canada

• Trigger Event: The UK’s Telegraph reports that 10 Downing Street is considering a ban on X due to AI-related image generation concerns. Canada and Australia have supposedly been consulted about similar moves.
• AI and Censorship: The controversy centers on XAI, X’s built-in AI, being able to generate fake photos, e.g., placing someone in a bikini.
  • “It would be a little bit violating. Even though it’s not an actual picture of you... I understand why it’s uncomfortable.” (Ezra, 03:00)
  • Host points out that similar image manipulation has existed since Photoshop and across multiple AI platforms.
• Politicized Rationale: Ezra sees the government's concern as a pretext to target Elon Musk personally and censor a platform less amenable to establishment narratives.
  • “It’s clear they’re just hunting for some reason to go after Elon Musk, who they desperately hate.” (Ezra, 05:00)
• Canadian Context:
  • Although outright bans are unlikely due to legal/practical barriers, heavy regulation is likely, such as fines or requirements for swift content removal.
  • Discusses C-63, a proposed Canadian “cyber-censorship” bill, which could fine platforms up to 6% of global revenue or $10 million for non-compliance.
    • “Imagine the audacity ... to take 6% of all of Twitter's revenues in America, in Spain, in Mexico, in Italy. Imagine.” (Ezra, 08:00)
  • Suggests that Canadian and UK authorities coordinate their approaches.

2. Free Speech and Social Media’s Role in Dissidence

• X as a Free Speech Platform: The host credits X for not censoring dissenting voices, unlike YouTube or Facebook.
  • “For almost 10 years, Twitter has been the freedom app. We intend to keep using it.” (Ezra, 13:20)
• International Perspective: Social media helps reveal stories ignored by mainstream media, from welfare fraud in Minnesota to dissent in Iran.
  • “Social media has allowed ordinary people to get information they wouldn’t be able to. I think that deeply upsets rulers like Keir Starmer and Mark Carney.” (Ezra, 10:00)

3. International Implications

• Risk to Alliances:
  • Ezra warns that if the UK bans X, it could damage UK-US and Canada-US relations, given the platform’s American ownership and influence.
    • “I can’t think of anything that would sour British American relations faster ... than trying to take on America's most successful industrialist businessman.” (Ezra, 12:00)
  • Speculates on shifting global power under the US, referencing Trump’s foreign interventions as context for why internet freedom matters.

4. On-the-Ground Free Speech Activism

• York University and Toronto Streeters: Ezra recounts recent Rebel News street actions, highlighting lack of interference and the value of exercising speech rights.
  • “Freedom of speech is a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it.” (Ezra, 14:12)
• Tamara Lich’s First Day: New reporter Lich reflects on positive public interactions at Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas (Sankofa) Square.
  • “I was pleasantly surprised that nobody recognized me... there was a great conversation. The truck is a great conversation starter.” (Tamara, 14:55)

5. Security and Risks for Journalists

• Managing Probation Conditions: Special care is taken to comply with the legal limitations of Tamara’s house arrest while allowing her to report.
  • “We would be extremely careful not to do anything that would jeopardize your freedom.” (Ezra, 15:40)
• Event Security: The necessity of visible, robust security at public events is discussed, given threats toward right-leaning activists.
  • “We had three security... They were big guys... scanning and they had body cam. Like it was a serious security.” (Ezra, 18:53)
• Ongoing Threats: Lich acknowledges receiving regular threats online, prompting internal discussions on safety.
  • “I get threats all the time in my DMs.” (Tamara, 20:10)

6. Future Plans for Rebel News and Tamara Lich

• Expanding Journalism: Plans for campus tours, events, book launches, and potential international reporting (pending legal permissions).
  • “We’re going to do streeters, events like Conservative Party conference... a book and then a book tour, a campus tour... on-the-scene journalism.” (Ezra, 23:16)
• Youth Outreach: Emphasis on reaching young Canadians and fostering a culture of authentic leadership and principled sacrifice.
  • “When you know that you’re reaching younger generations ... that message is getting through.” (Tamara, 27:45)
• Fundraising for Security: Calls for public support to fund security as exposure and risks increase.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On AI and Censorship:

  • “The problem’s been around since... Photoshop. It's not just Elon Musk’s XAI or Grok, it’s all of the AIs.” (Ezra, 04:30)
  • “It’s clear they're just hunting for some reason to go after Elon Musk, who they desperately hate.” (Ezra, 05:00)

• On Free Speech:

  • “Freedom of speech is a muscle that gets stronger and stronger the more you use it.” (Ezra, 14:12)

• On Security and Threats:

  • “We had three security... they were big guys... scanning... it was serious security.” (Ezra, 18:53)
  • “I get threats all the time in my DMs.” (Tamara, 20:10)

• On Youth Engagement:

  • “To know that your message is getting out to the youth... that is, I mean, I love all of it... but when you know that you’re reaching younger generations... that message is getting through.” (Tamara, 27:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–05:00 — News of potential X/Twitter ban in the UK and Canada.
• 05:00–12:00 — Analysis of the motives for regulating X; discussion of Canadian Bill C-63 and global diplomatic fallout.
• 13:00–14:12 — Social media as a tool for dissidents and free speech defense.
• 14:12–19:00 — York University and Toronto “streeter” reporting, Tamara Lich’s journalistic debut.
• 19:00–21:00 — The challenges and logistics of reporting under house arrest; importance of security.
• 21:00–24:52 — Future plans: conference reporting, books, campus tour, ambitions for rapid response field journalism.
• 25:00–28:00 — Support from the public, importance of youth outreach and authenticity.
• 28:00–end — Reflections on safety, team-building, and the symbolism of the Rebel “megaphone”.

Tone and Style

• The tone is direct, combative, and urgent, with a populist flavor and rhetorical flourishes.
• The conversation is a mixture of news analysis, personal anecdote, and strategic planning for ongoing free speech advocacy, with insider asides between Ezra and Tamara.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode provides a deep dive into the international and Canadian struggles over digital free speech, using current headlines as a springboard for broader discussions about government overreach, journalistic activism, and the real-world risks faced by dissident reporters. Highlighting the roles played by social media, legal frameworks, and on-the-ground reporting, Ezra Levant and Tamara Lich emphasize their commitment to pushing back against censorship—both through legal contestation and public engagement—while outlining the operational challenges, security concerns, and future ambitions of Rebel News.

The episode is of particular interest to those following:

• The evolution of online free speech and government regulation
• The intersection of technology, law, and activism
• The practical realities for journalists operating outside mainstream narratives
• The ripple effects of censorship debates across the Anglosphere

End of Summary