Navigating the Free Speech Debate: Trust, Misinformation, and WHO Efforts

Tedros Advocates for Limiting Free Speech to Rebuild Trust
By Meryl Nass via the Brownstone Institute
Remembering Murthy v Biden
It's important to recall that the Supreme Court dismissed the Murthy v Biden case. This past week, Kennedy and CHD presented oral arguments before three judges at the 5th Circuit, explaining why they should be allowed to bring their First Amendment censorship case. However, those on the opposing side believe that suppressing free speech is necessary for them to gain control, making the stakes incredibly high. Today, Tedros discussed trust and how to regain it—by limiting free speech, of course. Observe how he manipulates the narrative around free speech.
The Impact of Internet and Social Media
The internet and social media platforms have granted individuals unparalleled access to health information. However, they have also accelerated the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation, leading to distrust in vaccines and other health measures, promoting stigma and discrimination, and even inciting violence against health workers and marginalized communities.
COVID-19 and Misinformation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, false information about masks, vaccines, and "lockdowns" spread almost as quickly as the virus itself, proving to be nearly as lethal. Misinformation and disinformation continue to undermine the response to the pandemic and the negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
False Claims and the WHO Pandemic Agreement
Media personalities, celebrities, social media influencers, and politicians have propagated false assertions that the Agreement will surrender national sovereignty to WHO and grant it the authority to enforce "lockdowns" or vaccine mandates on countries. As you are aware, these claims are entirely baseless. Sovereign governments are the ones negotiating the agreement, and they will be the ones to implement it, in accordance with their national laws.
The Responsibility of Governments and Internet Companies
It's easy to blame, dismiss, ridicule, or insult those who believe or spread misinformation or disinformation. However, governments and internet and social media companies bear a responsibility to prevent the spread of harmful lies and promote access to accurate health information.
WHO's Efforts to Counter Misinformation
The World Health Organization is collaborating with various companies, researchers, and partners to understand how misinformation and disinformation spread, who is targeted, how they're influenced, and what can be done to address this issue. But it's also crucial that we ensure our own trustworthiness when seeking the trust of others.
Earning Trust
We cannot simply assume or expect trust; we must earn it. [Good luck with that—Nass]
This piece was republished from the author's Substack.
Bottom Line
It's clear that the battle against misinformation and the preservation of free speech is a complex issue with high stakes. As we navigate this landscape, it's crucial to remember that trust is something that must be earned, not assumed or expected. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree with the approach suggested by Tedros? Share this article with your friends and engage in a discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.