Musk defends decision to demonetize critics on X platform

THE HILL

Tech billionaire Elon Musk defended his move to demonetize his critics’ content on his social platform X and maintained the decision did not violate free speech.

“The first amendment is protection for ‘free speech’, not ‘paid speech’ ffs,” Musk wrote Wednesday on X.

Musk, the owner of X, was responding to a user who poked fun at those who accused Musk of violating free speech after some users’ verification badges and monetization abilities were revoked.

The move came shortly after the conservative users spoke out against Musk’s support for H-1B visas, a temporary, nonimmigrant work permit.

“People getting demonetized for their inexcusable behavior then complaining about free speech is hilarious to me,” the user wrote. “You can say whatever you want. You just can’t get paid for it. Hope this helps.”