Elon Musk will not let his satellite-based Starlink satellite internet service muzzle pro-Russian news services amid a global attempt of Western governments to locate disinformation coming out of Moscow about its war on Ukraine.
The SpaceX chief, who on Sunday installed his communications in Ukraine after Russia raided to provide communication inside the besieged country, said it's a matter of free speech. His view runs counter to social media platforms that are cutting off pro-Russian perspectives on the war.
"We will not do so unless at 'gunpoint', sorry to be a free speech absolutist," Musk said in a tweet.
TECH GIANTS JOIN FORCES WITH DHS IN HERCULEAN BATTLE AGAINST CHILD EXPLOITATION
Musk also said SpaceX is focused on defending its Starlink system from cyberattacks and signal jamming, an action that could cause delays for users. In recent days, some experts have warned that devices used for satellite communications within Ukraine could attract Russian airstrikes.
HORRIFIC FOOTAGE EMERGES: FRANTIC RESCUE EFFORTS AFTER RUSSIAN MISSILES HIT UKRAINIAN CITY (WATCH)
"Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so the probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution," Musk tweeted.
While Western governments and media companies have strived to stop misinformation from Moscow, much of Russia's internet isolation is being driven from within. Roskomnadzor, Russia's tech and communications regulator, has cut off access to Twitter and Facebook and driven Western media outlets out of the country with threats to imprison reporters who spread information it claims is false.
HIGH-STAKES SUMMIT: G7 MULLS SANCTIONS ON IRAN, WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT?
"This is a fork in the road in the history of the planet," Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia and a director at Stanford's International School, said in a Friday video call.
The United Nations has opted overwhelmingly for a resolution demanding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to end and withdraw its forces, in a global expression of outrage that highlighted Russia’s increasing isolation.
WATCH: NEWT GINGRICH'S APPROACH TO "DEATH TO AMERICA" CHANTS
In an emergency session of the UN’s general assembly, 141 of the 193 member states voted for the resolution, 35 abstained, and five voted against. The only countries to vote no in support of Moscow were Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, and Syria. Staunch allies Cuba and Nicaragua joined China in abstaining.
WATCH: THIS IS HAPPENING HERE IN PLAIN SIGHT
The resolution said the UN “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine”. It insisted that “the Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine” and “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces”.
UNTHINKABLE IMPACT: ISS DEBRIS STRIKES FLORIDA RESIDENCE, NASA LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION
The resolution is not legally binding but is an indication of the views of the UN membership, aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow and its ally, Belarus.
“It isn’t going to stop Russian forces in their stride, but it’s a pretty enormous diplomatic win for the Ukrainians and the US, and everyone who has got behind them,” Richard Gowan, UN director at the International Crisis Group, said.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
