News Article:
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of protecting free speech and expression during a recent press conference. He expressed concern over the growing trend of censorship and its potential impact on American citizens.
Mr. Blinken stated that the United States Department of State is committed to serving the national interest of the United States and the interests of the American people. He reiterated that the number one priority of the State Department is to protect American citizens from foreign entities taking actions that go after their speech, whether it be in a high-profile case like Elon Musk or in more everyday scenarios.
The Secretary of State acknowledged that the power to shut down misinformation and false narratives can be tempting, but he warned that devolving into censorship would have serious consequences. He emphasized the importance of holding people accountable for spreading false information, rather than suppressing it.
Mr. Blinken highlighted the need for a balanced approach to address misinformation and disinformation. He said that instead of shutting down the source of the message, the focus should be on saying "they're lying; here's the truth." This approach prioritizes the dissemination of accurate information over censorship.
The Secretary of State also emphasized the importance of protecting free speech and expression in all its forms, including commentary and mainstream media outlets. He stated that the US Department of State would not fine or shut down commentators for saying what they want, but instead would call out false information and promote fact-based reporting.
Mr. Blinken concluded by thanking the press corps for their attention to this topic and emphasizing that protecting free speech is a top priority for the US Department of State.