The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Social Media Censorship
Release Date: May 29, 2020

Hosted by Ben Ferguson, "The 47 Morning Update" delves into pressing political issues shaping America. In the "Social Media Censorship" episode, Ferguson engages in a comprehensive discussion with Senator Ted Cruz and host Michael Knowles from "Verdict with Ted Cruz." The conversation primarily centers on Big Tech's role in censorship, the implications of Section 230, and high-profile incidents highlighting the complexities of social media's influence.

1. Introduction to Big Tech Censorship

The episode kicks off with Michael Knowles introducing Senator Ted Cruz as a longstanding advocate against Big Tech's censorship of conservative voices. The discussion sets the stage by acknowledging the pervasive issue of account suspensions among conservatives on major social media platforms.

Notable Quote:

Michael Knowles (00:38): "Big Tech has been going after conservatives. And probably for a lot of people listening to this right now, they themselves have felt this kind of thing."

2. Understanding Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act

Senator Cruz provides an in-depth explanation of Section 230, a pivotal component of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. He elucidates how this section grants immunity to tech companies from liability for user-generated content, framing these platforms as neutral public forums akin to a "marketplace of ideas."

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz (01:24): "Section 230 was designed... because this is a forum, this is a public square. And so if somebody posts something and you sue the Internet company, you could drive them out of business."

3. Critique of Big Tech’s Evolution from Neutral Platforms to Political Players

Cruz criticizes the transformation of Big Tech companies from neutral platforms to entities that actively engage in political editorializing. He argues that this shift undermines their claimed neutrality and suggests that these companies should no longer enjoy the special legal protections granted by Section 230.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz (07:06): "They want to be political players. They want to editorialize. They want to silence voices they don't like."

4. The Trump Administration’s Executive Order on Big Tech

The conversation transitions to the Trump administration's executive order aimed at curbing Big Tech's censorship practices. Cruz expresses support, detailing his long-standing efforts to bring this issue to the forefront and highlighting discussions with key figures like Attorney General William Barr.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz (08:17): "It's about damn time. I have literally been urging this administration to do this for three and a half years."

5. Case Studies Highlighting Social Media's Influence

a. The George Floyd Incident

Cruz and Knowles examine the viral video of George Floyd's death, discussing its immediate impact on social media narratives and subsequent protests. Cruz emphasizes the importance of awaiting factual outcomes before forming public opinions.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz (18:00): "Anyone who believes in liberty should not want to see authoritarianism and authority abused."

b. The Central Park Altercation

The duo analyzes the Central Park incident involving Amy Cooper and Christian Cooper, highlighting how social media amplified the situation. Cruz critiques the false accusations made through social platforms and the real-world consequences that followed.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz (21:14): "Making a false accusation deliberately is an act of violence."

6. The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Perception

Cruz discusses the power of social media in disseminating information rapidly, both accurately and misleadingly. He underscores the responsibility of these platforms in ensuring truthful representation and the dangers of unchecked information spread.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz (14:28): "We know Twitter shadow bans... That is a lie. That is fraud."

7. Mailbag Segment: Addressing Listener Questions

a. Hong Kong’s Autonomy and U.S. Policy

Responding to a listener’s inquiry, Cruz outlines China's aggressive measures to erode Hong Kong's autonomy. He connects this to U.S. legislative actions and potential sanctions, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values abroad.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz (26:22): "China is trying to take over Hong Kong completely... It is a power grab and it is wrong."

b. Legalization of Marijuana

Cruz shares his stance on marijuana legalization, advocating for state-level decision-making. He reflects on his evolving views and personal experiences, highlighting the importance of federalism in addressing such issues.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz (28:33): "I believe in federalism. I believe we got 50 states and reasonable people can differ on this."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a light-hearted exchange about marijuana, reiterating Cruz's commitment to his principles without veering into personal endorsements of substance use. Ferguson and Knowles emphasize the broader implications of Big Tech censorship on democracy and free speech.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz (30:34): "But no, I will not be lighting up a spliff in this particular podcast."

Key Takeaways

• Section 230: Central to the debate on Big Tech's liability and role as neutral platforms versus active political players.

• Executive Action: The Trump administration's steps signify a pivotal shift in addressing perceived biases and censorship by major tech companies.

• Social Media’s Dual-Edged Sword: Platforms wield immense power in shaping narratives, necessitating responsible management to prevent misinformation and unjust censorship.

• Federalism in Policy Making: Allowing states autonomy in decisions like marijuana legalization underscores the importance of localized governance.

• Global Implications: U.S. policies on international issues, such as Hong Kong's autonomy, reflect broader commitments to democratic values and human rights.

This episode underscores the intricate balance between safeguarding free speech and preventing misuse of powerful social media platforms. Through candid discussions and real-world examples, Senator Ted Cruz and Michael Knowles illuminate the challenges and potential solutions in the evolving landscape of digital communication and political discourse.