'Free speech is pure bull... ': French President Emmanuel Macron blasts social media platforms at AI summit
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 19, 2026
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French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a strong critique of social media companies at the AI Summit in New Delhi, dismissing their claims of championing free speech as hypocritical. He argued that "free speech" is meaningless if users are unaware of how algorithms guide them, pointing out inherent biases in these systems. Macron emphasized the need for greater transparency in algorithm development and implementation to ensure fairness and accountability.
The French leader highlighted the significant influence of social media algorithms on public discourse, noting their potential to spread misinformation and reinforce democratic biases. He stressed that without understanding how these algorithms operate, users cannot truly exercise free speech or trust the platforms they use. Macron's remarks come amid growing concerns about the ethical implications of technology and its impact on society.
Over the past decade, the European Union has introduced stringent regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Digital Services Act, and the Digital Markets Act. These measures aim to rein in the power of tech giants, enhance privacy protections, and promote fair content moderation. However, these policies have sparked a transatlantic debate, with U.S. officials and tech companies arguing that they infringe on free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Macron has been a vocal advocate for stricter controls on social media access for younger users, aligning with increasing public concern over online harms. His comments reflect a broader shift in European leadership towards regulating technology to protect citizens from potential risks. This stance contrasts sharply with American approaches, which often prioritize free speech and market freedom over regulatory intervention.
The clash between EU and U.S. perspectives underscores the complexities of global internet governance. As both sides continue to navigate these issues
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026