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Mike Benz, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Communications and Information Technology at the US State Department, discusses the rise of internet censorship and its implications for free speech. He founded the Foundation for Freedom Online in 2022 to educate the public about the forces driving censorship, particularly the US government's influence on tech platforms. Benz emphasizes that the censorship landscape in the US is closely tied to developments in countries like the UK and Brazil, where the US State Department has pressured foreign governments to enact their own censorship laws. Benz notes that the censorship industry, which includes government agencies, private companies, civil society institutions, and media, was largely unchallenged until recently. The establishment of the Disinformation Governance Board in 2022 sparked significant political backlash, revealing the extent of government involvement in censorship. This led to increased scrutiny of social media platforms, particularly after Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter (now X), which aimed to reduce censorship practices. He highlights that the censorship apparatus has evolved to include international pressure, particularly through the EU's Digital Services Act, which mandates compliance with disinformation regulations. This has resulted in a more restrictive environment for platforms operating in Europe, forcing them to censor content to avoid severe penalties. Benz describes the "blob," a term used to refer to the entrenched foreign policy establishment in the US, as a key player in the censorship narrative. He argues that this establishment has leveraged censorship as a tool to combat populism and maintain control over political narratives, particularly following the rise of populist leaders globally since 2016. The US government's efforts to suppress dissenting voices have extended to Brazil, where censorship mechanisms are being used against political opponents, particularly those aligned with former President Bolsonaro. He details how the US has funded various civil society organizations in Brazil to promote censorship laws and suppress populist movements. Benz argues that the US State Department's involvement in Brazil's political landscape mirrors its historical interventions in other countries, using censorship as a means to influence political outcomes. Benz expresses concern about the implications of these censorship practices for free speech, noting that the US government is increasingly using foreign countries to exert pressure on domestic platforms. He calls for greater awareness and action from Congress to address the censorship industry and its impact on American citizens. In conclusion, Benz emphasizes the need for a concerted effort to protect free speech and counter the growing censorship apparatus, which he views as a significant threat to democratic discourse both domestically and internationally. He encourages individuals to remain optimistic about the potential for change, highlighting the importance of independent platforms and legal advocacy in the fight for free expression.

Jordan Peterson discusses the political landscape in Brazil with Eduardo Bolsonaro, a congressman and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. They explore the implications of Elon Musk's public disputes with the Brazilian Supreme Court, particularly regarding free speech and government regulation. Peterson notes that Brazil's political issues mirror those in the U.S. and other Western nations, highlighting the culture wars that are prevalent globally. Eduardo Bolsonaro shares insights into Brazil's history, including the military regime from 1964 to 1985, and how it shaped current political dynamics. He explains that his father, Jair Bolsonaro, rose to prominence by challenging political correctness and using social media effectively during his campaign, which led to his election in 2018. Eduardo emphasizes the importance of social media in bypassing traditional media narratives, which often misrepresent conservative viewpoints. They discuss the recent elections in Brazil, where Lula da Silva won amid controversies surrounding the electoral process and the Supreme Court's influence. Eduardo expresses concerns about the Supreme Court's power, particularly under Justice Alexandre de Morais, who has been accused of censoring conservative voices and manipulating electoral laws. He believes that the political climate is shifting, with increasing support for conservative values among the Brazilian populace. The conversation also touches on the international implications of Brazil's political situation, particularly regarding free speech and the role of American companies like Twitter. Eduardo highlights the importance of U.S. support for Brazilian conservatives and the potential for future elections, suggesting that his father may run again in 2026, depending on the political landscape and the composition of the electoral court. Overall, the discussion underscores the interconnectedness of global political issues, particularly the struggle for free speech and the influence of social media in shaping political discourse.

Protesters in Brazil were detained and taken to a federal police facility, where conditions were dire, leading to reports of multiple deaths. After two days, women and children were released under the condition they sign a statement labeling themselves as terrorists. Matthew Tyrmand, a journalist and political activist, discussed the political climate in Brazil, highlighting the tension between the left and right, particularly surrounding the recent elections. Lula, a former president with a history of corruption, returned to power amid allegations of electoral fraud, while Bolsonaro's supporters protested against the perceived injustices. Tyrmand described the Brazilian Supreme Court's overreach, likening it to a judicial autocracy that suppresses dissent and censors media. The military attempted to intervene but ultimately failed to prevent Lula's inauguration. Tyrmand expressed concern over the rapid descent into authoritarianism, drawing parallels to historical communist regimes. He emphasized the importance of social media engagement in Brazil, which has become a vital tool for dissent amid increasing government repression. The situation remains tense, with fears of further crackdowns on opposition voices.

Megyn Kelly welcomes Glenn Greenwald to discuss the current state of free speech, particularly focusing on Elon Musk's platform X being banned in Brazil. Greenwald emphasizes Brazil's significance as a democracy and a testing ground for online censorship, noting that the Brazilian government is pushing extreme measures to control information. He highlights that a single judge's orders are leading to severe consequences for platforms like X, including threats of imprisonment for executives who do not comply. The conversation shifts to the broader implications of censorship in the U.S., referencing Kamala Harris's past statements advocating for social media regulation. Greenwald argues that the mentality of censoring dissenting voices is becoming prevalent in the West, drawing parallels between Brazil's actions and potential future actions in the U.S. He points out that many individuals being censored are not extremists but rather prominent political figures who criticize the government. Kelly and Greenwald discuss the Hunter Biden laptop story, asserting that the Biden administration pressured tech companies to suppress the story, which was later verified as true. They criticize the media's role in perpetuating the narrative of Russian disinformation and highlight the lack of accountability for those who misled the public. The discussion also touches on the Democratic Party's tactics to silence dissent within its ranks, exemplified by the treatment of figures like Jill Stein and Tulsi Gabbard, who have faced accusations of being Russian assets for opposing party lines. Greenwald points out the hypocrisy in how different political figures are treated based on their affiliations. They conclude by discussing the media's double standards, particularly in how they cover political narratives and the implications of censorship on democracy. Greenwald emphasizes the importance of free speech and the dangers of allowing the government to dictate what constitutes acceptable discourse.